Dear Editor,
It is disappointing and concerning to note that the MP for Worcester, Tom Collins, is not (at the time of writing) amongst the 100+ Labour ‘rebels’ who have signed an amendment to the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. The amendment would give MPs an opportunity to reject this cruel piece of proposed legislation.
The government is seeking to make fewer disabled people eligible for the Personal Independence Payment, which is a benefit designed to enable those receiving it able to live with a degree of dignity. PIP can also help with support needed in order to be able to work.
Citizens Advice says that the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for PIP has the potential to affect 1.3 million people. Child poverty will rise and people’s physical and mental health will be badly damaged as even more are pushed into poverty.
The government says it will raise £5 billion per year through this measure. It’s worth noting that a wealth tax of 2% on assets over £10 million could raise £22 billion per year, but this is not even on the table.
In the recent votes on abortion and assisted dying, Tom has clearly voted with his conscience. We urge him to do so again now and to put the welfare of the people in Worcester who voted for him before the demands of his party and his career.
Yours sincerely,
Worcester Green Party councillors