Roz Savage MP Stands Up for Disabled People Facing Cuts in Wake of Spring Statement
Roz Savage MP has vowed to be a strong voice in Parliament for disabled people across South Cotswolds and beyond, following a wave of public concern over the Government’s planned cuts to disability support.
Since the Spring Statement was delivered in early March, the issue of disability benefits – particularly the tightening of eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) – has become the most common topic raised by constituents contacting Roz’s office. Many have shared personal stories and deep fears about how these changes could strip away vital support for themselves or their loved ones.
Roz said:
“Over the past month and a half, I’ve heard from so many people who are worried, angry, and heartbroken. These aren’t just statistics on a spreadsheet – they’re individuals who rely on this support to live with dignity, to work, or to stay connected with their communities. I want everyone who’s written to me to know: I hear you, and I’m standing with you.”
One particularly insightful meeting took place on Saturday 5th April, when Roz visited Rachel Hurst CBE at her home. Rachel is an internationally respected disability rights campaigner, former director of Disability Awareness in Action, and a longstanding advocate at the United Nations and World Health Organisation.
Housebound due to her health, Rachel invited Roz to come and listen to her views about the current crisis in social care and the looming impact of benefit changes. Drawing from decades of activism and her own lived experience, Rachel highlighted the urgent need to reform and properly integrate care services – so that disabled people can receive joined-up medical and domestic support, rather than facing fragmented and inadequate provision.
Rachel said:
“The major problem with social care is the countrywide ignorance of disability discrimination. I am grateful to Roz Savage for her learning and understanding.”
Roz reflected on the visit:
“Rachel has spent a lifetime campaigning for the rights of disabled people. To hear how she is now facing enormous difficulties accessing even basic care services in her own home was deeply sobering. What’s clear is that the system is already under huge strain – and these cuts will only make things worse.”
The Liberal Democrats have criticised the Spring Statement’s approach, warning that slashing support won’t help people into work and risks pushing some of the most vulnerable into crisis. The party has instead called for urgent investment in social care and mental health services, alongside practical reforms that enable, rather than punish, disabled people.
Roz added:
“We need to bring the welfare bill down, yes – but not by targeting disabled people who often need that support just to get through the day. This is the wrong approach, and I will keep speaking up in Parliament for those who are being ignored or dismissed. People living with disabilities deserve better.”
Roz will be raising the concerns shared by Rachel and many others directly with ministers in the coming weeks and is encouraging constituents to continue reaching out with their views and experiences at roz.savage.mp@parliament.uk.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Government’s Spring Statement 2025 confirmed plans to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), the main disability benefit, from November 2026.
- Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey described the changes as a "double whammy to the most vulnerable, hitting disabled people who cannot work while slashing support for the loved ones who care for them."
- Rachel Hurst CBE is a globally respected disability rights advocate and was Director of Disability Awareness in Action from 1992 to 2011. Her work has shaped international policy on disability and human rights. To learn more about Rachel, click here.