There has been considerable negative comment on the Chancellor’s attack on social security benefits. There could be over 1 million people affected by substantial reductions in Personal Independence Payments (PIPs). I will avoid comment on the morality or necessity of this but the fact that there are such large amounts currently paid out which means the reduction could be up to £6,300 per year surely indicates that the scheme is quite generous at present – maximum payments under PIP can be up to £9,500 per year.
The reports reminded me to look at whether my wife would qualify for Carers Allowance which might be under attack as I am registered disabled and get an Attendance Allowance payment (it’s not means tested). That might qualify her for a Carers Allowance as she does the washing and sometimes takes me to doctor’s appointments. But the rules are so complicated this will take some time to look into. See https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility for details. The whole system of financial support for disabled people needs simplifying.
Meanwhile should I research moving to the Isle of Man? The island’s parliament has decided to support assisted dying for residents which I wholeheartedly support while the similar English legislation is bogged down in delays. With very low income taxes (see https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/isle-of-man/individual/taxes-on-personal-income ) and no capital gains tax it looks very attractive now even if the weather might not be great.
Roger Lawson (Twitter: https://x.com/RogerWLawson )
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