Cruel government cuts could see severely disabled people forced to celebrate Christmas away from home following the abolition of a key source of independent living support, campaigners warned today.
The government took a swipe at society's most vulnerable last week and decided to close the independent living fund (ILF) and instead devolve responsibility to local authorities.
ILF currently provides £330 million a year in cash payments for personal care or domestic help to almost 20,000 disabled people across Britain.
But disability campaigners warned local authorities are not able to provide the same level or range of support through their current systems.
Local authorities have widely expressed concerns that without ring fencing there will be a loss of support for existing ILF users and for some individuals no option but to go into residential care.
ILF recipient Anne Novis, who received an MBE for services to the community, said: "I definitely will not be able to contribute to society, have my grandchildren over to stay, or even have a life worth living."
Hammersmith & Fulham Coalition against Community Care Cuts chairman Kevin Caulfield said: "The announcement of the closure of the ILF is yet another nail in the coffin of the increasing numbers of disabled people being discarded into isolation, social exclusion, deteriorating health and premature death.
"This is more evidence that we are so far from being all in this together."
The government's decision to push ahead with the plan comes in spite of overwhelming opposition from disabled people and their families.
Campaigners claimed the consultation was unlawful and an urgent hearing has been scheduled by the High Court to go ahead on March 13 and 14 2013 where the decision will be challenged.
Morning Star
ILF currently provides £330 million a year in cash payments for personal care or domestic help to almost 20,000 disabled people across Britain.
But disability campaigners warned local authorities are not able to provide the same level or range of support through their current systems.
Local authorities have widely expressed concerns that without ring fencing there will be a loss of support for existing ILF users and for some individuals no option but to go into residential care.
ILF recipient Anne Novis, who received an MBE for services to the community, said: "I definitely will not be able to contribute to society, have my grandchildren over to stay, or even have a life worth living."
Hammersmith & Fulham Coalition against Community Care Cuts chairman Kevin Caulfield said: "The announcement of the closure of the ILF is yet another nail in the coffin of the increasing numbers of disabled people being discarded into isolation, social exclusion, deteriorating health and premature death.
"This is more evidence that we are so far from being all in this together."
The government's decision to push ahead with the plan comes in spite of overwhelming opposition from disabled people and their families.
Campaigners claimed the consultation was unlawful and an urgent hearing has been scheduled by the High Court to go ahead on March 13 and 14 2013 where the decision will be challenged.
Morning Star
