News From the Rectory
RECTOR’S PINT - May 2025I rarely stray into comment which might be seen in any political light, but I feel compelled to do so now.
I understand that as a nation, we face enormous financial challenges. However, I believe that decisions from the Government, as outlined in the recent Spring Statement, will penalise those who are the most vulnerable, particularly disabled people. This is morally wrong and could fuel also a narrative of the ‘undeserving poor’.In January, a group who call themselves Patriotic Millionaires polled over 2,300 respondents from G20 countries who represent the richest five percent in the world. Seventy four percent of those polled supported higher taxes to help address the cost-of-living crisis and improve public services. What I find significant is that those with the broadest shoulders are saying that it would be morally reasonable to ask them to bear a heavier load rather than further penalise those who are already overwhelmed. I’m aware excessive wealth does not necessarily lead to excessive generosity, but I see some hope in that poll; it is a profoundly Christian view.Therefore, I was very glad to see the following statement from the Diocese of Oxford:
“Our work across the diocese with foodbanks, Warm Spaces and the like, tells us that a huge proportion of people in poverty are disabled. Nearly half of families living in poverty already include a person with a disability. Two in five people receiving disability benefits experience hardship, or are unable to afford enough food, heat their home adequately, and/or pay household bills. Disabled people are disproportionately relying on food banks – 69% of people referred to food banks are disabled, and 75% have at least one disabled person in their household.“As a church we stand against the benefit cuts, which we believe will penalise some of the most vulnerable in our society, and will push more people into poverty.
“These cuts are significant – the Government plan to take £5bn from welfare provision by 2030, focused on restricting the PIP (personal independence plan) qualification. This means that between 800,000 and 1.2 million people will lose support they currently receive (of between £4,200 and £6,300 per year)”.In response, the Area Bishop of Dorchester, Bishop Gavin has said:
“Churches are the largest providers of food banks. Instead of closing these down, as we might hope to be able to do, we’ll be opening more of them as we respond to the increased need that will inevitably result from these cuts to vital welfare payments. We cannot know the extent of the impact of these cuts, but what we can be certain of is that they will affect some of the most vulnerable people in our society. People who are already struggling will face challenges far greater than they should be.”If you feel strongly about this, you can make your views known by writing to our MP. There is also a consultation on the green paper that is asking particularly for the views of disabled people. If you are interested, simply do an internet search for ‘pathways to work consultation’.
I believe that where we, as Christians, feel that Government plans do not reflect our Christian values, we should take the opportunity to make our views known; to stand up and be counted.Simon