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THOUSANDS of people have told an inquiry into disability benefits of their despair at the system, including dozens who have been driven to suicidal thoughts.
MPs have heard how people were denied disability benefits or had to fight to keep their entitlements, the chairman of the work and pensions committee Frank Field said yesterday.
Some 3,000 people gave evidence, with many saying their mental health had worsened after trying to claim employment and support allowance (ESA) for daily living costs and/or personal independence payment.
Labour will find increases in the state pension age are unacceptable, just as cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, personal independence payments and universal credit are — it needs to change direction immediately, writes PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE
