“Our banners will remind the public that politics is about choices”: Chesterfield activists mark Budget Day – as banners displayed at bridge over busy Chesterfield road
The campaign aimed to highlight the issues sick and disabled people face – calling for better protection for the most vulnerable.
‘Cut sanctions not benefits’ – read a banner displayed over Markham Road in Chesterfield this morning (Wednesday, November 26).
Banners were displayed in Chesterfields by members of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Unite Community Branch, a part of Unite the Union –the largest trade union in the UK and Ireland with members across the private, public and voluntary sectors.
The campaign called for protection for the most vulnerable groups.
One in six people claiming Personal Independence Payment and 40% of Universal Credit claimants are in work but the suspension of benefits is causing ‘untold difficulty to thousands of people on top of the cost of living crisis’, the activists explained.
Andy King, secretary of the local Unite Community branch said: “This is not just about people who are out of work. Personal Independence Payment is a lifeline for our disabled citizens, helping them to maintain dignity and a degree of independence.
"To have it ripped away is unacceptable. Balancing the books should not be done on the backs of the vulnerable.”
The Government has recently outlined its proposals for reform concerning health and disability benefits and employment support.
The concern is that this will lead to a denial and suspension of benefits, campaigners say.
The action was held in the morning of the Budget Day, which saw Chancellor Rachel Reves set out financial proposals for the next year.
Colin Hampton, from the Unite Community Branch, said: “On Budget Day the eyes of the nation are focussed on the winners as losers as the Chancellor sets out the financial priorities for the coming year.
“The Government is looking for savings and unfortunately tends to pick on easy targets. However there are no long term savings from denying benefits to the sick and to the disabled.
"The cost to the NHS will be huge and many workers will not be able to sustain themselves in a job.”
He added: “The mega rich and the powerful bully the government into leaving themselves to get richer at our expense. It is time to stand up to the bullies.
"Budget day should be a turning point that indicates that the most vulnerable will receive support not sanctions and the rich should pay their fair share.
"Our banners will remind the public that politics is about choices. We urge the government to make the right ones.”