Dear Sirs

We are writing to express our disgust and dismay at the government’s latest round of cuts to benefits for disabled people.

We are parent-carers of children and young people with special needs and disabilities in West Sussex. In a matter of years our children will be affected by the cuts to Employment Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payments so we feel compelled to write and ask you to reconsider the support you have given to these policies.

In his speech to the House of Commons this week the Chancellor referred to his budget as being for the next generation. We find this claim breathtaking when in little over a week the government has taken £4.4 billion from disabled people. How do they think this will affect the future life chances and well being of our children many of whom might never be able to work or who might always depend on financial support in order to live independently?

We are also appalled that whilst the government has yet again taken from the most vulnerable in our society they have done so in order to fund tax breaks for high earners. How is this fair and equitable? How does this reflect on a government who has long claimed we are all in together?!!

 We understand from media reports that a number of backbench Tory MPs are disturbed by these latest cuts. We also understand others within the Conservative moment are opposed to the cuts including the think tank Bright Blue and the Conservative Disability Group.

We therefore ask West Sussex MPs to reconsider your support for the government’s policy on disability benefits and ask the Chancellor and the Work & Pensions Secretary to halt this savage and ongoing attack on disabled people.

Yours faithfully

Parent Carers in West Sussex