RNIB slams UK government's welfare reform bill

Government plans to cut health and disability benefits under the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, announced on June 18, have been heavily criticised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

‘The Bill's sweeping cuts to health and disability benefits could significantly affect blind and partially sighted people. Thousands who require Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to live independent lives will not meet the new tightened criteria if the plans go ahead,’ said Vivienne Francis, RNIB’s strategy and public affairs chief officer.

With MPs set to vote within the next three weeks, Francis said the RNIB would do all it could to stop the cuts and urge them to resist the plans.