York Outer’s MP has defended his support for proposed welfare reforms including £5bn cuts to disability benefits ahead of a council debate on the plans this week.
Labour MP Luke Charters said the Government’s propsals struck the right balance between protecting the vulnerable and getting people back into work.
But Cllr Carol Runciman, health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat opposition on City of York Council said cutting help for disabled people would make it harder for them to get into work.
Conservative group leader Cllr Chris Steward said that while drastic action was needed on the welfare system, some of the changes proposed were simply wrong.
It comes ahead of a debate and vote on the issue at York Council’s next full meeting on Thursday (27 March).
The opposition group’s motion raises concerns about Government plans which were announced this week which aim to save £5bn-a-year including by restricting access to Personal Independent Payments (PIP).
Ministers have said the plans are part of wider efforts to tackle long-term joblessness, rein in unsustainable welfare spending and boost the economy.
Thursday’s motion stated they would fuel social isolation and increase the dependence of disabled people on other services and it calls on the council to investigate the potential impact locally.
The Liberal Democrats have also called on Mr Charters to reconsider his support for the Government’s plans in light of the concerns.
But Mr Charters said it was the Liberal Democrats who had helped co-author a chapter of decline while in coalition with the Conservatives.
The Labour MP said: “The Tories and Lib Dems wrote millions of people off, creating a cliff-edge welfare system.
“Getting those who can work into employment is good for the economy, but more importantly it’s a huge boost to people’s wellbeing and confidence.
“The Government is ensuring that those with the most severe conditions will be protected even further by an additional premium, alongside steps to ensure they won’t have to go through reassessment which gives them the dignity they deserve.”
Opposition health spokesperson Cllr Runciman said the proposals were counter-productive and went against their stated intention of getting more people into work.
The councillor said: “These proposals show that despite years of promises by the Labour Party of an end to austerity, they are turbo charging it.
“Luke Charters’ support for proposals to make it more difficult to claim the benefits that go towards helping people with the additional costs of disablement is shameful.
“This will make it harder for a number of disabled people who rely on this benefit to access work and participate in our economy.”
Conservative leader Cllr Steward said the plan to save £5bn-a-year by cutting disability benefits was not realistic.
The Conservative said: “Clearly the changes to benefits are a big issue for many residents directly impacted but also all of us who want the best for those truly in need.
“Much more drastic action is needed with the huge increases in the number of people on out of work benefits when many should be in work in their and society’s best interests.
“However at the same time we should be given more not less help to those most in need and some of the changes proposed to PIP in particular are simply wrong.”
Cllr Claire Douglas, leader of the council’s ruling Labour group, said they were currently analysing the potential impact of the proposals.
The council leader said: “We look forward to discussing this hugely important issue when councillors meet next week.”