Disabled advocate criticizes Labour cuts to welfare support

A severely disabled advocate, Isaac Harvey, has expressed disappointment in the Labour government's plans to cut benefits for disabled people. Isaac, who was awarded an MBE for his work in disability advocacy, feels betrayed by Rachel Reeves' announcement about welfare support cuts. Isaac, who has no upper limbs and scoliosis, is struggling to get the care he needs. After moving out of his mother's home due to her inability to help him, he found the social care system lacking. He claims that Redbridge Council did not respond to his care requests, and he was placed in a facility that doesn't meet his complex needs. This leaves him unable to perform basic tasks like going to the toilet independently. The government argues that these cuts are meant to help disabled people return to work. However, Isaac and other advocates believe this approach is harmful. They say it ignores the real struggles those with disabilities face. Isaac expressed frustration that the very system he was once recognized by now seems to fail him and others like him. During her recent speech, Rachel Reeves revealed additional welfare cuts, including a significant reduction in the Universal Credit health element. She stated that the government inherited a broken welfare system and must make changes to support employment. However, critics like Charles Gillies from the Disability Benefits Consortium argue these cuts will lead to more poverty among disabled people. He urged the government to reconsider, saying there is a moral obligation to protect vulnerable individuals from increased hardship.