Get advice on benefit change; VIEWPOINTS.

AT THE Conservative Party Conference, David Cameron stated his intentions to deprive half a million people of their incapacity benefits by reclassifying them as fit to work.

The Westminster Government expenses fiddles earlier this year highlight the depths to which our unscrupulous politicians will sink to remain on the gravy train.

To start with there are many disabled people who want to work in Wales who have been victimised and disadvantaged by the closure of factories which provided them with freedom, job satisfaction and the pride of being able to work, even with support.

Does Mr Cameron know the number of possible Conservative Party supporters receiving long-term incapacity benefits who will be disadvantaged by his plans? As the Cardiff Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Hon Welfare Officer, I have comprehensive membership of the Child Poverty Action Group. I am conversant with the incapacity benefit and DLA benefits legislation.

Although the award of this benefit involves a points scoring system to assess working ability, there is also a deteriorating health risk and safety aspect included in the awarding criteria.

Since the working test is hypothetical it is supported with detailed health information from the claimant's incapacity claim form. Rejected people should immediately seek advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau or a lawyer franchised to deal with DWP benefits.

Malcolm Mort Westville Road, Roath,