Starving just to pay tax

Benefit reduction leaves disabled struggling to buy essentials.

Disabled Scots are going without food, heating and clothes to pay the “devastating” bedroom tax, according to a shock new report.

In a damning survey to be published tomorrow, Scotland’s disabled charity Capability Scotland is warning the controversial benefit reduction is hitting the disabled hard.

Their findings say:

Almost a quarter of disabled people polled have seen a reduction in housing benefit since the start of April.

76% are going without food, heating and clothes to make up the shortfall.

Disabled Scots feel they need to stay in their specially adapted properties.

If they did move to smaller properties, local authorities face huge bills to make them suitable.

The bedroom tax, or under-occupancy charge, sees a reduction of housing benefit to those with an extra bedroom, if it can’t be justified.

An estimated 105,000 Scots are affected with 79% of those having a recognised disability.

Capability Scotland’s report says the changes are having a “devastating effect on the lives of disabled Scots,” and some are “struggling to keep the roof over their head” because of the changes.

It adds: “For some, the changes to housing benefit, particularly the ‘bedroom tax’, are just too much to bear.”

It goes on to urge the Scottish Parliament to take action to counter the UK-wide changes.

Dana O’Dwyer, Chief Executive of Capability Scotland said: “It’s blatantly obvious that the UK Government has not thought this reform through properly.

“We are facing a situation where people are being forced out of homes which have been specifically adapted to meet their needs, into smaller properties which will then also need to be adapted to make them accessible.

“We hope that the Scottish Affairs Committee will consider this report carefully and do everything in its power to mitigate the effects of this appalling ‘tax’ for disabled people and their families in Scotland.”

MSP Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s health spokesman, said: “These are very worrying findings from Capability Scotland and highlights again what an unfair and unjust this policy is.

“The Tories are targeting the wrong people with their cuts and we stand ready to work with the SNP Government, who have the power to mitigate the impact, to find the funds to protect disabled Scots from the bedroom tax.”

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: “It’s only right that we bring fairness back to the system when in Scotland there are many thousands on housing waiting lists or living in overcrowded homes.

“We are giving councils £150m this year so that they can help their vulnerable tenants.”

Meanwhile in Westminster, tomorrow sees the deadline of written submissions to the Scottish Affairs Committee Inquiry into the impact of the bedroom tax and other housing benefit changes in Scotland.

“My home is now a prison”

Jamie Curran, 52, from Knightswood, is confined to a wheelchair after being born with spina bifida.

He has lived in a specially adapted two-bedroom council property since 2002.

Glasgow Housing Association, his council home provider, has made adaptations to his home, adding a ramp and a handrail.

But the former driver has spent £5,000 of his own money making other changes to the property.

He said: “I was able to walk until the age of 40 and since then my condition has deteriorated.

“I’ve lost £51.70 a month since April 1.

“I applied for the discretionary housing payment but was rejected.

“I use the spare room to store equipment I use for physiotherapy. I’ve recently had a major operation on my legs.

“The extra bedroom is great for my brother to sleep in when he comes to stay to look after me.

“Since the bedroom tax was introduced I’ve been counting the costs.

“I have a Motability car which I can no longer afford to fill with petrol it just sits outside my house now. I’m a prisoner in my home.

“Food has also become a luxury. I miss meals and spend a lot less on food.

“Every pound is a prisoner. It might not seem a lot of money to those with it but it’s hit me hard.

“It’s a real struggle to cope.”