HARDLY a day goes by without at least one constituent contacting me regarding issues with DWP relating to benefits.

It’s not unusual to have several in one day.

Sadly, and somewhat predictably, these cases are remarkably similar in nature. In recent months Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and Employment Support Allowance (ESA) cases have featured prominently in my office’s workload as many disabled constituents struggle to get the financial help and support they need.

The UK Government has just dealt another devastating blow to those most in need.

On April 1 the introduction of a £30 a week cut to ESA came into effect.

My colleagues and I have been strongly against the cut from the outset - the cut was put forward as part of the Welfare Reform and Work Act which received Royal Assent in March last year despite a wealth of opposition from third sector organisations and the House of Lords.

In November, MPs from nine parties – even including some Conservative MPs - supported the SNP’s calls for the cut to be postponed until alternative financial support was introduced and despite DWP Ministers promising that a package of additional measures would be introduced, nothing has happened.

Even by this Tory Governments standards, this cut represents a particularly dark moment. It poses the very real risk of placing those with disabilities, and some of the most vulnerable people in our society, in severe hardship.

The DWP has already determined these individuals are unable to work through ill health or disability and yet the Tories have chosen to penalise them further.

Rather than help those with a disability to live independently, the Tories are intent on these regressive cuts that in fact push people further from work. This is yet another contradiction of their own manifesto in which the pledge to halve the disability employment gap. How can any party who so blatantly disregards or contradicts its own manifesto be trusted to govern?

I have been very vocal and critical of the treatment of PIP and ESA applicants and many of the cases my constituents have brought to my attention are astounding in their lack of compassion and utter disregard for the individual’s needs.

This cut only exemplifies the UK Government's draconian treatment of sick and disabled people who are unable to work.

My colleagues and I will continue to oppose the Tory Government on this issue.

If you are affected by this cut or are experiencing issues with PIP or ESA, please contact me on tas.mp@parliament.uk or contact my Constituency Office on 01259 726 661