Our response to the Autumn Statement

Early 2016: Catherine, who lives with arthritis, meeting her local MP to talk about the cuts to ESAToday (Wednesday 23 November) the Chancellor Philip Hammond delivered his Autumn Statement on the UK's financial outlook.Here's our response on two keys issues for people with arthritis.The failure to reverse the£30 per week cut to Employment and Support Allowance (Work-Related Activity Group)Olivia Belle, our Director of External Affairs, said: "We're disappointed by the Government’s decision to not reverse the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) welfare cuts in today’s Autumn Statement.For the 10 million people with arthritis in the UK the condition attacks what it means to live. For some, simple tasks like holding a pen, typing and commuting to work can be impossible, which can have an impact on their ability to work, and live independently.Over 73,000 people with arthritis already rely on ESA (WRAG) to get by each week because their condition prevents them from working, paying for essentials like food and heating as well as extra costs incurred due to their condition.As a charity we once again urge the Government to reconsider these cuts, so disabled people are not pushed into poverty."On the extra investment announced for research and development in the Autumn Statement:Our Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Tracey Loftis, commented: "Today’s announcement from the Chancellor of further investment for research and development is positive ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news