The Hardest hit march took place in London on the 11th May and was reported on by the BBC. The video below shows the news coverage of the march. Many people would have liked to have been present but their disability prevented them. The protest was against the proposed reforms of the benefit system including the disability living allowance which some claim will drive many more people with disabilities into poverty.
Those protesting fear they are to be the hardest hit. They claim cuts to local services as well as welfare reform are making their lives impossible. Graham Gray is interviewed and outlines how he has lost some of his support and how that now affects him. Ellie Southwood who is blind explains how a cut to a scheme which helps her at work now impacts upon her life.
Allowances affected include Disability living allowance, Employment And Support Allowance, Independent Living Fund, Social Fund and Community Care Grants, Access To Legal Aid and the list goes on. Jaspal Dhani of the UK Disabled People's Council is interviewed and outlines his concerns over the impact of these proposed and actual changes.
The Government however maintains that people with real needs will be protected. There is no doubt the system needs to be improved but cuts are going to be resisted.