[Solved] Brexit - warning of increased violence

surely it is the sign of a civilised society that we take care of those who can't take care of themselves through no choice of their own.

I agree with you actd, but this is not what is going on in the UK at the moment.

We had a situation where too many people were being put on permanent disability and forgotten about. When I became unemployed due to severe back pain the JSA suggested I see my doctor to be signed off unfit to work. I spoke to my doctor who said they were happy to do so, but it would mean I would never work again. I could not accept that and chose instead to put up with years of humiliation by the JSA.

So in principle when in 2010 the Conservatives came in and promised to tackle this I agreed in principle but had concerns how it would be implemented.

Work capability assessments have a huge failure rate, people assessed as unfit which have then been overturned at tribunal. Success rates in appealing decisions have been consistently been between 40 and 70%. Higher successful appears when individuals have had support. Reports into the deaths of claimants where it has been shown the process itself and outcomes have had a direct result in those deaths were aggressively hidden from the public, even after ordered by courts to publish.

The high success rate in appeals was the reason for the introduction of the mandatory reconsideration before going to appeal and when that did not work they have looked at how to deny disabled people the right to appeal.

Those found unfit to work 'at this point' were put into a separate group where they were given 'support' to prepare to return to work. That support has had very little to do with dealing with the issues those people face, medical, physical or psychological and more to put pressure on them to look for work and apply sanctions when possible. When the claimant in this group failed to return to work with same rate as those on JSA it was decided to cut the amount they are paid.

It has been reported that when considering the possible negative effects of forcing some claimants into work - those with psychological problems - the benefits of work should be considered when considering the potential risks for the individual.

The example I gave in the opening post of paying less to those whose childhood disabilities mean they will never work, is only a tip of the iceberg. Many people with disabilities are socially isolated and we are putting many into poverty and making them economically inactive. While a lot is made about paying taxes the poor often pay more in taxes, through vat. They are often not in a position to achieve savings in their shopping habits. . A good example is gas and electricity. In order to budget many will have card or key meters for which they are paying a premium and so a higher price. One reason why someone who had diabetes was found dead after being sanctioned by the DWP. They had insulin, but no electricity to power the fridge to keep the insulin fresh. To have access to the internet you virtually need the added expense of a phone line, extra cost for the internet, a computer - or device able to access the internet and the skills to be able to search and compare prices to achieve some savings, all of which are out of some peoples reach.

Even the local services these people depend on are being removed as cuts to council funds mean more and more are removing additional services to protect core functions they are legally obliged to supply. These are effecting not only those with disabilities but the elderly and children. These cuts have been more severe for councils high deprivation in their areas rather than the richer ones.

I am fortunate, Despite being in my mid 50's I earn more now than I ever had, and have the lowest costs I have had in decades, even though I have yet to reach the average wage. I am at the beginning of a new career which means there is plenty of scope of increasing my salary significantly in the next few years. Besides the basics, rent, travel to work and food my outgoings are low, which mean my daughter benefits from the low taxes. But across the board I am sickened by what is going on in this country in the name of what is 'right'.

We are told that we need to reduce our deficit so our children don't end up paying for it, yet many children are paying for it now, but funny enough not for those who keep telling us this as we become more polarised and the fastest growing group of children in poverty are those with parents in work in low paid insecure jobs. But I guess we are all in this together, aren't we?

Well said, OddFather, the plight of our poor, sick and vulnerable is a source of constant worry for me, but I can see no end to this gross neglect of our NHS and social care services, as our political parties in opposition are in complete disarray.

I generally steer clear of talking politics on here, but what is unfolding before our eyes is a national disgrace.

Hi Mojo,

I agree that politics can be a dangerous topic for supportive forums like this one, but most of us discuss politics in one form or another. Be it disabilities, separated families, LGBT issues, housing, health, homelessness etc are entwined with politics, as they are subject to those who make decisions and laws on our behalf. IE politicians. Even down to how often our bins are collected is a political decision, a balance between encouraging recycling and making the books balance.

In the end forums such as this are left to support people through the legal processes that arise, as well as the emotional and mental health issues that arise.

Sadly I also have to agree with you that there is a lack of a credible opposition at present, something which is never good for democracy, who ever is in power.