‘A Scary Thought’: Teen with Autism Fears Life-Changing Benefit Cuts
Nineteen-year-old Lily Langford, who lives in Dorset and has autism, passionately asserts her intention to fight against proposed changes to welfare payments that threaten her independence and the well-being of many others like her. Diagnosed three years ago, Lily relies on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to cover essential costs such as accommodation and commuting to work, as well as tools that aid her daily living like noise-cancelling headphones. She described the support from PIP as life-changing, emphasizing that the financial assistance has provided her with the independence essential for her adult life.
The UK Government, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has proposed cuts that include a freeze on Universal Credit and stricter eligibility assessments for PIP, aimed at slashing the welfare budget by £4.8 billion. These measures have left Lily feeling anxious about her future, noting that her lower support needs might lead to a potential withdrawal of her benefits. “It’s a really scary thought,” she stated, expressing her concern that policymakers do not truly understand the individual challenges faced by people who depend on these benefits.
To voice her concerns and advocate for her peers, Lily joined a protest in Dorchester, uniting with campaigners, union members, and community members to demand justice for the vulnerable. She argues that the proposed changes represent an attack on those who need support the most, saying, “I’m worried for all my peers, those I care about… this will impact even those I don’t know.”
Despite government promises of additional support for those transitioning into work, Lily cautions that such changes could ultimately destabilize many lives. She asserts, “It’s an issue that everyone should be worried about because it could affect them someday.”
Lily’s story underscores the impact of welfare policy changes on individuals living with disabilities and serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and understanding from government officials.