On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Welfare Scotland, a non-profit organisation, issued a strong condemnation of the UK Government’s proposed benefit reforms. In a statement, they described the reforms as a direct attack on the dignity and survival of disabled and chronically ill individuals.
According to the proposed reforms, some people could lose up to £800 per month, leading Welfare Scotland’s Chair, Rob McDowall, to label them as “state-sanctioned cruelty”. He stated, “The Chancellor’s so-called ‘reforms’ to the benefits system are nothing short of a full-frontal assault on disabled and chronically ill people. These plans are not just cruel – they are an unforgivable act of state-sanctioned harm, designed to strip dignity, security and basic survival from those who already face immense hardship.”
The organisation demanded that the government immediately abandon the proposed reforms and instead prioritize solutions that promote equity, dignity, and human rights over ideological austerity. McDowall also expressed disappointment in disabled parliamentarians for not speaking out against their own party’s colleagues in Westminster and Whitehall.
Welfare Scotland highlighted three key concerns with the proposed reforms. Firstly, they fear that disabled people and those who are chronically ill will be pushed further into poverty due to the additional financial pressures they already face. Secondly, they believe that the reforms violate fundamental human rights, such as the right to dignity, adequate living standards, and freedom from discrimination. Lastly, they argue that the government’s priorities are misplaced, as the reforms seem to target the most vulnerable for budgetary savings rather than addressing systemic economic issues.
In light of these concerns, Welfare Scotland is calling on Parliament to reject the proposed benefit cuts and instead conduct a comprehensive review that prioritizes the rights and well-being of disabled and chronically ill individuals. They urge MPs to vote against the reforms and advocate for legislation that protects human rights and the dignity of these individuals. They also encourage local communities to show solidarity by writing to their elected representatives, and for allies and advocacy groups to continue raising awareness and providing support services to those at risk.
McDowall emphasized the financial struggles faced by disabled people and their carers, stating, “Disabled people and their carers face relentless financial pressures simply to exist. These reforms will only intensify that struggle, undermining the principle that those in need deserve our protection, not punishment.”
Welfare Scotland is a non-profit organisation that works towards promoting social justice, equity, and human rights for all. They collaborate with disabled people, chronically ill individuals, carers, and advocacy groups to advocate for fairer policies and stronger community support networks.