Government accused of being “heartless” as 19,266 people in Eastleigh could be hit with benefit cuts

Eastleigh’s Liberal Democrats have condemned the Government for their refusal to commit to uprating benefits in line with inflation. 

Analysis from the House of Commons Library commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has shown that in Eastleigh, 2,184 people who receive the Disability Living Allowance, which helps disabled people with living costs, would be in line to take a real terms cut to their income. 

The families of disabled children who require the most support, meanwhile, would see a devastating £229 less per year in real terms. 

The research shows that a staggering total of 19,266 people in Eastleigh could end up seeing their support cut should the Conservatives go through with their plans

Liz Jarvis, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Eastleigh, has urged the Government to immediately uprate benefits across the board for all those who need them. Cllr Jarvis added that every hour the Government doesn't commit to uprating benefits thousands in Eastleigh face sleepless nights.

Liz Jarvis, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Eastleigh, commented: 

"People I speak to in Eastleigh are horrified that support for the most vulnerable, such as disabled children, could soon be cut to the bone. I know many people are gripped with anxiety over this potential blow, which could push many of them into poverty and hurt their ability to care for their loved ones.

"It is quite unbelievable how out of touch and heartless this government has become. They’re on another planet if they think people in Eastleigh want to see less support for the poorest and for vulnerable children, for the sake of tax cuts for the richest corporations. 

"The government must end the anguish and worry of local families and commit to up-rating benefits with inflation immediately.