Public reject cuts to disability benefits and fear they'll increase pressure on NHS - poll
By Will Charley, political reporter
New polling suggests the public are overwhelmingly opposed to the government's planned cuts to disability benefits.
Findings by More In Common found just 27% of people support the proposed changes to the benefit system.
Some 60% of people said the government should look at other ways to save money, and 52% said the cuts will increase pressure on the NHS.
Ministers confirmed today they are pushing ahead with plans for a crunch vote in the Commons on the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill next Tuesday.
That's despite more than 120 Labour MPs publicly signing an amendment, which would kill the bill.
The polling, carried out with charity Disability Rights UK, also found 51% of people believe the cuts will worsen the health of disabled people.
The results also found:
- 67% of PIP recipients say they specifically use some or all of their payment to support their ability to be physically active
- 51% of PIP recipients say losing their payments would make them less active
- More than one third (34%) of benefits recipients fear they would participate less in the community
Mikey Erhardt, the charity's policy lead, told Sky News: "Our research with More In Common should provide MPs with all the evidence they need to vote against the changes proposed in this bill.
"The risk to public health and the NHS that will arise from these cuts is huge and hasn't yet even been recognised by the government."
Watch: Why is the government cutting benefits?
Cuts 'would be devastating'
Another national charity opposing the cuts is Sense.
James Watson-O'Neil, the charity's chief executive, said the cuts "would be devastating for disabled people" and risk pushing "hundreds of thousands into poverty and isolation".
He added: "Disabled people are telling us they鈥檙e worried they won鈥檛 be able to heat their homes, put food on the table, or afford the therapies they rely on. These are not luxuries鈥攖hey are basic needs."
Sense is calling on people to write to their local MP urging them to vote against the bill. All 650 MPs have now heard from at least one constituent, on behalf of the charity, it added.