Jeremy Hunt has been accused of trying to “punish” disabled people while proposing tax cuts in the hope of turning around the Conservatives’ electoral prospects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chancellor is planning to use the autumn statement to reduce the tax burden on firms and individuals in order to encourage economic growth and win back disgruntled voters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He says that the government is turning a corner after spending billions during the pandemic, claiming that his actions demonstrate that the Conservatives “reject big government, high spending, and high tax.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, hundreds of thousands of people with mobility and mental health issues are about to be warned that their benefits will be reduced by \u00a34,680 per year unless they find work from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarah White, from Sense, the\u00a0disability\u00a0charity, said the move \u201clooks sets to punish disabled people, adding more anxiety on to disabled households that are already struggling\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The row over the plans erupted as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ministers claim that because of the post-Covid increase in distant positions, many people on benefits can no longer be “written off” as unable to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laura Trott, chief secretary to the Treasury, said people had to do their \u201cduty\u201d. \u201cIf they are able to go out to work they should,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThose who can work and contribute should contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But charities condemned the plans. James Taylor, from the disability equality charity Scope, said: \u201cThese proposals are likely to force disabled people to look for work even when they aren\u2019t well enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added: \u201cThreatening disabled people with more sanctions will not lead to more disabled people getting into and staying in work. Forcing disabled people into unsuitable jobs and cutting financial support in a cost of living crisis will be disastrous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Hunt has said he will use the autumn statement to boost business investment and get people back into work \u201cto deliver the growth our country needs”.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jeremy Hunt has been accused of trying to “punish” disabled people while proposing tax cuts in the hope of turning around the Conservatives’ electoral prospects. The chancellor is planning to … <\/p>\n