Hard Labour

Fury at Kendall's £5bn cuts to lifeline benefits for society's most vulnerable

- LIZZY BUCHAN and KATE SKELTON

AFTER 14 brutal Tory years, poor, sick and disabled people had their hopes of fairer treatment raised when Labour swept to power.

But they were yesterday dealt a fresh blow as Liz Kendall announced plans to slash £5billion a year from the welfare bill by 2029-30, sparking fears many will have to work while unfit or be plunged into poverty.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said Personal Independent Payments and Universal Credit will be reformed but refused to spell out how many people would be affected until after next week's Spring Statement.

It left claimants in limbo, fearing the worst as Resolution Foundation chiefs warned between 800,000 and 1.2 million could lose between £4,200 and £6,300 in vital support a year if eligibility for PIP is restricted.

MS Society Chair Charles Gillies said: "These immoral and devastating benefits cuts will push more disabled people into poverty, and worsen people's health.

"The harmful changes to PIP will make it even harder for disabled people, including many with MS, to manage the overwhelming additional costs of their condition, from wheelchairs to visits from carers.

"And any cuts to disabled people on Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance will largely hit those who are unable to work and rely on these benefits to survive.