A COALITION of campaigners called on the Welsh government today to lodge the “strongest possible grievance” with the Westminster government over the Timms review into disability benefits.

Welsh disability groups led by Disabled People Against Cuts Cymru (DPAC Cymru) co-ordinated the letter, with signatories including unpaid carers’ organisations, trade unions and trades councils.

The Britain-wide review was announced in Westminster late last year, with promises of “co-production” with disabled people, and a pledge of no further cuts until its conclusion.

But Welsh disabled people’s organisations are adamant that co-production is not happening, claiming Welsh disabled people have been treated with contempt.

A DPAC Cymru spokesperson said: “The Timms review was won by protest, but it is not what was promised.

“We are asking the Welsh government to join us in setting out a clear expectation that the UK government may not table further disability cuts while a genuine and independent review takes place in Wales.”

The groups have asked the new Welsh government to deliver on its promise of providing practical assistance in achieving a “long-standing demand” of “a genuine disability review.”

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We welcome that the review’s interim report confirms what disabled people in Wales have been saying for a number of years — that personal independence payment is not fit for purpose.

“It is essential that disabled people in Wales continue to have their voices heard, and the deputy FM has already met with Minister Timms and will continue discussions as the review progresses.

 “We’ll continue to press the UK government to devolve more welfare powers to Wales, so we can build a system that better reflects people’s needs.”