If I lose benefits I'll be in debt straight away

THIS week the chancellor announced welfare cuts, sparking anger and concern in two of the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester.

- GEORGE LYTHGOE

The government announcement on Wednesday will see the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) tightened, resulting in around 800,000 people losing out by 2029.

This comes a week on from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announcing it will become harder to claim disability benefits - with a plan to save £5bn.

On the streets of Harpurhey, this latest move from Whitehall is a serious cause for worry.

The Blackley and Middleton South constituency has one of the highest percentages of people on PIP in the city region.

One of those people is Carole Brown, who is retired, but also receives PIP. The 68-year-old fears this is a lifeline that could be taken away from her.

The Harpurhey resident told the M.E.N: "I do get very annoyed and start shouting at the television when I see these announcements. I'm a pensioner and on PIP.

"My son isn't working at the moment and is my full-time carer, but he can't work because of his depression and knee problems anyway.

"He's no longer paying rent so now I have just under £1,000 to live on, plus PIP.

If that goes, I might as well just shoot myself because I'll be in debt straight away."