Mark Blaker, a parent carer from Wiveliscombe, has taken action to oppose the government’s proposal to cut disability benefits. His son, Joe, who has learning disabilities, is one of approximately a million disabled individuals nationwide facing the potential loss of financial assistance if the government’s “Pathways to Work” green paper becomes law in June. As a director of a care company, Mark is deeply troubled by the impact these plans may have on the local community. He has expressed his concerns in letters to five local MPs, outlining the perceived flaws in the proposed cuts.
Mark emphasizes that the government’s strategy of removing support with the expectation that employment opportunities for disabled individuals will automatically materialize disregards the very real obstacles that these individuals face. While the need for improved opportunities for disabled individuals, including access to meaningful employment, is widely acknowledged, Mark asserts that the proposed approach is fundamentally flawed. He argues that the necessary infrastructure, support programs, and job opportunities are currently insufficient, and that the proposed cuts will ultimately exacerbate poverty and social exclusion, rather than ameliorating these issues.
In an effort to effect change, Mark has reached out to his MP and others representing the areas serviced by his support company, urging them to challenge the government’s plans. As of now, responses from the MPs are pending.