25/10/2011

Over 400 disabled people, friends and supporters gathered outside City Hall to protest at massive cuts in benefits, services, support that are hitting disabled people. The rally was timed to coincide with a critical stage of the Welfare Reform Bill. The ‘Hardest Hit’ event was chaired by Kirsten Hearn, of Inclusion London, the audience asked questions during an open mike session and both protesters and speakers were entertained by the band 'Rush hour',who all have learning disabilities.

The Welfare Reform Bill includes proposals to cut the numbers of recipients by 20%, introduce a rigid assessment and tighten eligibility criteria, resulting in many more disabled people experiencing poverty and isolation. The Hardest Hit rally was supported by Greater London Councillors, Darren Johnson and Jennette Arnold.