10 November 2011

The current number of those claiming incapacity benefits in the Highlands and Islands could be cut by 40 percent in the next three years.

Academic researchers at Sheffield Hallam University have published their findings on the effects of the proposed changes in benefits by the Tory-Lib Dem Coalition Government will have in the period 2011-14.

There are currently 18,960 incapacity claimants in the Highlands and Islands.

By 2014 , they estimate that 7,500 could be cut from that figure.

4,700 could be removed from benefits entirely, with the increase in those claiming Job Seekers Allowance rising by 2,250.

Highlands and Islands MSP, David Stewart said,

" The consequences of these proposals mean terribly austere times ahead for the most vulnerable groups in our communities, with many thousands forced to seek help from family members and from charities.

" There are just around 1,500 registered vacancies for jobs in the Highlands and islands just now, and with no respite from the joblessness gloom forecast, it will be increasingly difficult for even the most motivated of those seeking work to find it.

"Cuts in benefits will drain spending power out of the local economy, putting further strain on sustaining local jobs."

The co-author of the report, professor Steve Fothergill, said,

"In terms of the numbers affected and the scale and severity of the impact, the reforms to incapacity benefits that are underway are probably the most far-reaching changes to the benefits system for at least a generation. They will impoverish vast numbers of households and cause untold distress in countless more. The incapacity benefit numbers need to be brought down, but this is not the way."

Table on the estimated impact of benefit changes between 2011-14

Download a copy of the report >>>