MPs vote to cut disability benefits by £30 a week

The House of Lords had proposed the removal of clause 13 from the Welfare Reform and Work Bill but it was defeated in the Commons by 306 to 279 last night (23 February 2016) - a majority of 27.

On 27 January 2016, the House of Lords had voted against proposals to cut the Work Related Activity Group of Employment and Support Allowance in majority of 283 to 198.

The government has proposed to cut ESA WRAG by £30 a week (a third) for new claimants from 2017 - claiming this would incentivise people to find work.

The ESA work-related activity group is for claimants who the Department of Work and Pensions consider will be capable of work at some time in the future and who are capable of taking steps towards moving into work or work-related activities immediately.

Previously 30 charities signed an open letter to Iain Duncan Smith, the secretary of state for work and pensions, calling on him to halt the cut to ESA or risk pushing "sick and disabled people further away from work and closer to poverty."

Macmillan Cancer Support had warned that such proposals could risk pushing cancer patients into homelessness.

During the debate in the House of Commons, Labour MP Dawn Butler asked about the impact of what the charity had said.

Conservative welfare minister Priti Patel responded: "What I would say is that Macmillan has also said that many people diagnosed with cancer would prefer to remain in real work or return to their job during or after treatment.

"It is essential that people suffering with cancer get the right support. Obviously, when people are in the ESA support group and are unable to work, they will remain in the support group and be supported financially."

Dr Fran Woodard, executive director of Policy and Impact at Macmillan Cancer Support said: "We are deeply disappointed that the government has not listened to the wide range of voices, including those from their own party, who have expressed major concerns.

These cuts will have a damaging impact on people affected by cancer and other health conditions. Every penny counts when someone can't work because of cancer, and taking away vital financial support can be a serious blow to people when they are at their most vulnerable.

"A considerable number of politicians, charities and patients have voiced deep misgivings about the potentially devastating effects these cuts will have on people who have been medically assessed as too ill to work.

The Government must urgently reconsider their decision; if they press ahead, the planned changes could seriously hinder the full recovery of people with cancer."

The Bill will go back to the Lords on 29 February 2016 for their response.