The UK Government and false economies

This is a really hard piece to write, because I have to admit, in public that I’m disabled enough to need help, and don’t make enough to cover the money we lose to support my youngest. So, I’m admitting in public that even though I own a business, and I’m nominally ‘self-employed’ this year, we made less than $1000 profit. That, ladies and gentlemen is less than $30 a week. £20 or so. I don’t make money from writing right now — that may change this year, but being honest, probably not. And even if I did, it’s a vast amount to make to replace everything I need, and relies on me being well enough to keep it up. And while I know you guys are patient, there is a bit of me that feels like it’s not fair.

Which is heartbreaking. And so, there’s a few things I need to say about this.
One. I know, as a family, we are fortunate. My long term partner is in a good job — a very good job, and he covers most of the bills. In fact, all of the household bills are covered by him and he gives me a small ‘allowance’ every month to cover things I need to buy or replace in the household. I also get carer’s allowance for my uni aged daughter, and my own PIP.
So, while I’m not one of the people targetted by the almost immediate changes that the government made to Universal credit, by upping the hours people need to work or they face sanctions, but I am watching with a bit of anxiety for the changes that affect PIP and carer’s allowance. Mostly because I have conditions that have varying needs, and the proposals the government have suggested make no sense. They are…