Vulnerable accountants hit by government welfare reforms
Chartered Accountants' Benevolent Association warns some accountants will be hit by changes to welfare benefits
VULNERABLE ACCOUNTANTS are likely to be affected by proposed government cutbacks, according to the Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association (CABA).
The government is making drastic changes to benefits under its Welfare Reform Bill including, tougher criteria for Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit seekers. The government is hoping to reduce people on these types of benefits by 20% if they are of working age.
CABA is concerned accountants suffering long term health issues will be severely affected by the government changes.
Kath Haines, CEO of CABA, said: “The whole idea of the welfare reforms is to reduce spending and target help towards those who are most in need but there are several areas where it may be that accountants who have genuine problems may still be affected.”
“There are many kinds of situations that we can envisage where vulnerable accountants may find themselves facing hardship if the changes are applied to the letter and no flexibility is applied.
Every year CABA offers hundreds of accountants, both emotional and financial support.
Haines said the charity may see an increase in accountants requesting financial assistance over the next couple of years because of the changes.
