Un: Government Has Created A "human Catastrophe" For Disabled People.

[Kromovaracun]

The UN's report into the impact of government cuts to disabled benefit has described it as a "human catastrophe".

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-spending-cuts-human-catastrophe-un-committee-rights-persons-with-disabilities-disabled-a7911556.html

If anybody doubts the severity of how the Conservative government treats the disabled, it's worth watching the following footage - it is by no means exceptional:



Is this really how the government should be treating the disabled?

[cassa333]

The difficulty with any policy is weeding out the liars, cheaters, lazy *** and con men/women.

Find a policy or way of doing it but still help the most vulnerable and you have found Narnia and the promised land.

I, and I accept I might well be in a minority, believe ONLY the most vulnerable should get extra support.

[Kromovaracun]

I think everyone believes that cassa, but as you say, it's something of a fantasy to think you can have a system like this with absolutely no cheaters.

Personally, I think the wasted money on fraudulent claims is worth the overall cost of ensuring that we live in a society where disabled people are treated like human beings. I'm not sure that's what we have now.

[mikey4444]

I agree Kromo....its bloody awful.

I anticipate that there will be the usual posts, by the usual suspects, blaming Corbyn, Abbot and Uncle Tom Cobley and all. They will probably try to blame Blair.

But the reality is that the Tories have been in charge for 7 years, so why is the situation this bad after such a long time ?

[dinki]

History always looks at how the most vulnerable are treated, not as many scroungers etc (mainly a media scapegoat) and the sick and disabled are an easy target. How about getting the companies and people who evade tax - but this would not suit those in power.

[Kromovaracun]

Well yes. I'm no fan of the Blair government but I don't recall there being so much evidence about such an extensive crisis, or a direct condemnation from the United Nations and just about every disabled rights group in the country about the conditions that disabled people are forced to live in.

But yes, I imagine people will troop in to blame Labour despite the fact that specific Conservative policies (voted in narrowly by Tory voters in the last two elections) have caused this problem.

On a personal note, I remember the reaction of friends of mine who are seriously disabled (one has serious bone spikes growing out of his spine) when the Conservatives won in 2015. They were absolutely terrified.

[ToraToraTora]

Well lets divert some of the cash from the WSS budget then.

[mikey4444]

WSS ?

[ToraToraTora]

I'll give you a scooby mikey, it's larger than the defence budget.

[mikey4444]

Scooby ?....for goodness sake....speak English as we know it !

[Kromovaracun]

March 2017 budget, planned spending in £ bn

Social protection 245
Health 149
Education 102
Defence 48
Debt interest 46
Housing and Environment 36
Transport 37
Public order and safety 34
Personal social services 32
Industry, agriculture and employment 23
Other 50
Total Government spending 802

The budgets which exceed defence are "social protection", "health", "education", and "other" (waste management, R&D, mining and manufacturing, street lighting, fuel and energy, pollution abatement).

Which one were you thinking of 3T?

[jim360]

I'm not really sure what counts as "WSS", but for the record: the UK currently spends £3bn on unemployment benefits and £27bn on housing benefits, of which most would go to people in work. The remaining social budget goes to pensioners or on supplementary benefits for lower-paid workers or the disabled. By contrast the defence budget is about £48bn. So... I don't think TTT is right.

Also, I'm happy to accept the argument that weeding out "liars, cheaters, lazy whatevers and conmen" is important but it's also a rather smaller problem than people seem to believe. Most people who claim benefits are fully entitled to do so.

[Old_Geezer]

Worldwide Secret Service.

[Kromovaracun]

"WSS" = work shy scum
"scooby" = scooby doo = clue

[mikey4444]

OG....could be the Welsh Secret Service !

[Mamyalynne]

When cutting back on any help and support, the weakest are the easiest targets.


Sick but true.

[jim360]

Reminds me of the follow story, mikey:

* * * * * * *

A Russian spy was dropped by parachute in the Welsh hills with instructions to contact Mr Jones in the small village of Llanfair and give him the coded message: “The tulips are blooming well today.”

Arriving at the village he asked a boy where Mr Jones lived and was directed to a small cottage.

He knocked on the door and the owner emerged: “Are you Mr Jones?”

“I am.”

“The tulips are blooming well today.”

Mr Jones stared at him in amazement then smiled: “Ah, you must have the wrong house.

“It's Jones the Spy you want.”

[mikey4444]

Jim...thanks for that !