“PIP applicants have been vindicated” – Pádraic MacCoitir
Since Personal Independence Payment (PIP) replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in 2016 many people putting in for claims were rejected. This was devastatingly unfair to those who were disabled themselves or were carers for those on DLA.
Lasair Dhearg spokesperson Pádraic MacCoitir said, “The political elite in Stormont were aware of this but done nothing. Many people were already under massive stress and were reliant on benefits. This added to depression and anxiety levels in working class communities, as those seeking PIPs had to look elsewhere to feed, clothe, and pay their bills.”
“This should come as no surprise to community and political activists who have been campaigning for more equality and protections for the most disadvantaged in our society. Equality is a word that some political parties in Stormont shout out but rarely put into practice.”
“We in Lasair Dhearg have been contacted by many people seeking advice and the best we can do is refer them to community activists who do all they can.
Pádraic concluded, “Capitalist society will always throw up cases where the vulnerable will be thrown onto the scrapheap. It doesn’t have to be like that. If anyone is unsure of how to seek help with their benefits they should contact their local community centres and demand something be done.”
