Versus Arthritis launches #CutToTheBone campaign in response to benefit cuts
Versus Arthritis has launched their #CutToTheBone campaign, urging MPs to vote against £5bn of benefit cuts tabled by the Government to encourage people into work. Among these changes, the stricter eligibility criteria to qualify for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be the most devastating. PIP helps over 200,000 people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions across the UK lead fulfilling, independent lives. By taking away the money needed to cover the necessities of daily living, the Government is working against disabled people, not for them.
These cuts will hit our community the hardest, according to Government estimates, up to 77% of people living with arthritis could lose between £74-110 per week. Many people with arthritis want to work, but need the right support. These cuts will make life even harder for many already struggling to pay for care, cover their bills or heat their homes.
We need to act now to stop the cuts. Tell your MP to vote against benefit cuts and protect people with arthritis. MPs could be voting on planned changes to PIP as early as mid-June. We need every MP to vote against PIP cuts and protect people with arthritis. The UK government recently U-turned on their planned changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance so the power of campaigning is clear. When we speak out together, we can make change happen.