Aberlour's response to UK Government's proposed disability and sickness benefits changes 

Aberlour is concerned by yesterday’s UK Government announcement on disability and sickness benefits and the impact of proposed changes on children and families living with a disability.

We accept that the welfare system is in need of change and agree with the principle of supporting those who can work but need help to access and to be supported into work, but that should not include financial detriment.

We recognise a lot of the detail is yet to be set out and we are unclear on what the impact of these changes to disability and sickness benefits will mean for families in Scotland. Government has a primary responsibility to do no harm.

If these changes knowingly result in increasing the numbers of people in poverty, then that is an intentionally harmful act and must be prevented.

Given their stated commitments to tackling child poverty, we urge the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to reconsider any changes to the welfare system that result in creating further hardship and disadvantage for our poorest and most marginalised families.

We look forward to working with UK Government during the consultation stage.

SallyAnn Kelly OBE

CEO of Aberlour Children's Charity