I wrote to my MP about the #WOWpetition debate
So, with a post-operative puppy by my side, I wrote to my MP. It's a mix of some cut-and-paste and some of me. And yes, I worked at a bank. No, I was not one of 'them'. The biggest bonus I ever got was a thousand quid.
"As you may recall, I have written to you previously on ‘welfare’ issues, in general terms. This, although the issue affects my family directly: my eldest, adult daughter has a learning disability, being on the autistic spectrum; myself personally, since after twenty-six years working at [No Chance] Bank, I was granted a medical pension by the Trustees after suffering a rather sudden, work-related worsening of existing mental health problems. We are therefore reliant on ESA and, in her case, DLA, together with my pension, for income. So far I consider us fortunate in our welfare dealings and outcomes (notwithstanding I am awaiting news of my recent re-application for ESA), I would point out that the entire process is stressful almost to the level I experienced when I suffered a ‘breakdown’ in 2006. I, too, have shared the fear that pervades those with disabilities in the UK
However, I wish to raise a more general issue: the ‘WOWPetition’ debate.
As a constituent of yours I was very pleased that the WOWpetition was granted a full Chamber debate by the BackBench Business Committee on the 10th December and I would ask you to attend the forthcoming debate to represent my views, which are in accordance with that petition.
I understand that the Minister for Work and Pensions is opposed to a Cumulative Impact Assessment of Welfare Reform. I would like to ask you to contact him prior to the debate and ask him why, as I also understand that analysis by Dr Simon Duffy of the Centre for Welfare Reform has calculated that disabled people are hit 9 times harder by the welfare changes we have seen so far than the average resident of the UK, and severely disabled people 19 times harder.
I would also like to know if he disputes Dr Simon Duffy’s analysis and if he does how does he believes he is in a position to do so? From my perspective, it appears that Mr Duncan Smith does not want the Government to recognise that his policies have targeted disabled people to a far greater extent than is justified by any economic measure. It is, in my view, inhumane and unworthy of the Britain I have been pleased to call home all my life.
The timing of the Backbench Business Committee debate of the WOWpetition has not yet been set, and a response well in advance of it would be most welcome, if possible.
Further analysis of the WOWpetition can be found here
http://wowpetition.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/analysis-of-wowpetition-for-mps-prior.html
