MPs call for benefit cut debate

Conservative MPs are set to join the SNP in demanding a debate on postponing disability benefit cuts.

The MPs are expected to call for a debate on plans to cut Employment and Support Allowance payments for sick and disabled people by £29 a week.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) payments for those deemed well enough to prepare for work are to be cut to £73 a week, the same level as the Jobseeker's Allowance from next April.

In an interview with the BBC, Conservative MP David Burrowes said: “I want to see by the time we get to the Budget next year we have delivered for these most vulnerable people, otherwise we have finance bills, we have opportunities in terms of legislation to be able to put forward amendments and make sure we deliver for these people.”

Meanwhile, the SNP's Neil Gray, who is set to apply for a debate at the House of Commons backbench business committee, commented: "I hope the debate can be heard ahead of the Autumn Statement. It will be an opportunity for the government to listen to MPs from across the chamber and to the organisations representing sick and disabled people who want to see these cuts halted."

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "To ensure people have the best practical support possible, we have re-invested these funds to form part of the new Personal Support Package, which includes support for ESA and Universal Credit claimants with limited capability for work.

"The system was in need of reform as it trapped many disabled people on welfare and failed to provide the right incentives and support to help people into work, with only one in 100 claimants moving out of the work-related activity group and into work each month."