SIA calls on Chancellor to protect disabled people’s independence ahead of the budget

Today, Nik Hartley OBE, Chief Executive of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), has written to the Chancellor urging the Government to refrain from introducing further changes affecting the Motability Scheme in the forthcoming Budget.

SIA warns that the full impact of changes announced in the previous Budget has yet to be felt by disabled people, many of whom are already facing significant financial pressures. Introducing further measures before these impacts are properly understood risks undermining disabled people’s independence, mobility, and quality of life.

SIA is calling on the Government to assess the impact of existing changes and await the findings of the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) before considering further measures. Any future decisions must be informed by evidence, ensure appropriate accountability and, above all, protect disabled people’s independence, choice, and mobility.

As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UK has a responsibility to protect and promote disabled people’s rights, dignity, and independence.

Disabled people’s ability to work, participate in society and live independently must not be compromised by decisions made without a full understanding of their consequences.

Read our letter to the Chancellor below: 

READ OUR LETTERsia public affairs team

Here at Spinal Injuries Association we continue to work on your behalf throughout the year on the issues that you tell us matter to you.

For more information on our work, please see our Public Affairs and Campaigns News or additional information under each of our campaign pages. To contact our Public Affairs Team, please email [email protected]