PROTESTERS have warned that psychiatric wards will be "overrun" if ministers slash benefits to people with mental health problems.

Demonstrators from Derbyshire joined thousands of others at a march against welfare reforms outside Parliament yesterday.

Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has proposed changes to incapacity benefit and disability living allowance. But protesters claim that people with mental health problems will be among the hardest hit.

Tony Fisher, Karl Fisher and Gillian Earl all volunteer for the Mental Health Action Group in Derby, but all also claim benefits.

Karl Fisher, 54, of Spondon, has bi-polar disorder. He said: "A small amount of stress can cause very big problems for people with mental illnesses.

"If people lose their benefits and then become ill as a result they're going to end up having breakdowns and back in hospital – the psychiatric wards will be overrun. That will only cost more."

Incapacity benefit is paid at a weekly rate of between £69 and £91. Figures show 8,140 adults claim it in Derby and 23,400 in Derbyshire.

But under reforms the Government is reassessing everyone to check they are really unable to work and those found able will be transferred on to jobseeker's allowance – worth £50 to £65 a week – and expected to look for jobs.

Ms Earl, 56, from Amber Valley, also has bi-polar disorder – a form of depression. She said: "The questions in the assessment are all about physical disability – things like can you use a washing machine or make a drink.

"Well of course I can, but on some days because of my condition I can't even get out of bed. The assessment doesn't take account of that.

We're not asking for preferential treatment, just to be given an equal chance."

The Government also wants to replace disability living allowance, a tax-free payment for disabled people, with a new personal independence payment.

The allowance is received by 14,020 people in Derby and 44,800 in Derbyshire but, under the new payment, claimants will be regularly reassessed for eligibility.

Tony Fisher, from Amber Valley, has suffered anxiety and depression since losing both his parents and his wife to illnesses, and his business, all within a period off six weeks.

The 56-year-old professional photographer said he wanted to work but could not all the time because he is not well.

"When I can't work the benefits help me to get through," he said.

"I think if lots of people who can't work are forced to, it's going to cause problems."

A spokeswoman for the organisers of the march said 5,000 people took part, though police put the figure between 2,000 and 3,000.

A spokesman said the Government said: "We're reforming welfare to make sure that the billions we spend on benefits goes to those who need it."

 

By Joseph Watts Jwatts@Northcliffemedia.co.uk