Does this government want to punish us for being disabled? | Jane Campbell

A further 30-a-week cut to disability benefits will drive even more people into poverty, yet still the Tories maintain their defensive, Scrooge-like approach

Politicians across the spectrum tell me of their growing concerns about the way national and local government treats disabled people and the negative effects this has on our culture. Some of those politicians will be speaking in parliament today about the government's plans to further cut benefits from April for some disabled adults who are unable to work, due to disability or a long-term health condition. The 30-a-week cut will result in someone on an income of approximately 5,000 having to live on 3,500 a year instead. It will be nothing short of devastating.

Earlier this month the government extolled the virtues of paid employment for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, and how it plans to help more of them get jobs. We would all applaud that, as we would their pledge to consult disabled people before deciding on how to do it. All good so far, but reflecting on the government's recent record on disability, we should proceed with great caution.

When you're poor, the effects are frightening and energy sapping

Related: Our disabled community is suffering. Time to act on the UN report, not reject it | Katharine Quarmby