A report published today entitled Responsible Reform reveals that the coalition Government misled MPs and Peers over the public hostility to disability benefit reform.

Findings are based on responses to the Government’s consultation on the planned Disability Living Allowance reform, which were published upon request under the Freedom of Information Act.

The Government originally published its response to the reforms in April 2011, but this new research suggests that both the public and parliament have not been informed of the true impact of any reforms, and that the Government broke its own code of consultation.

This research includes findings that 98% of respondents objected to the qualifying period of disability for benefits being raised from 3 to 6 months, and that 99% objected to the DLA no longer being used as qualification for other benefits.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, also objected to the proposed changes, saying “The Mayor would call for the Government to retain the three-month qualifying period as the increase to six months will mean that people with fluctuating conditions have increased difficulty meeting the qualifying period.

“People with fluctuating conditions face the same barriers that all disabled face in relation to higher costs of living and DLA is essential to maintain a decent quality of life.”

The research comprises more than 500 responses submitted by disabled people’s organisations, disability charities and other groups.

The report was researched, written and funded by sick and disabled people, thousands of whom contributed through social media.

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of the mental health charity Mind, said:

“The ‘Responsible Reform’ report is essential reading for everyone with an interest in Disability Living Allowance (DLA) reform including the Government and Department for Work and Pensions Select Committee.

“The report shows that much of the rise in claimants over recent years has been down to better access to the benefit for people with mental health problems, whose needs are often fluctuating and invisible.”

Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of disability charity Scope said:

“We urge the government to listen and act on these concerns and to ensure its replacement takes into consideration all the barriers disabled people face in everyday life so they can live independently and play an active role in their local community.”

Sue Marsh, the disabled blogger and activist who led the research, alongside Dr Sarah J Campbell, said:

“While disabled people welcome reform of DLA where it will simplify the system and better support their needs, they do not want a new benefit. They believe it is a costly irrelevance during a time of austerity.

“We urge members of the House of Lords – across party political boundaries – to take note of this research and the strength of opposition to the proposals. It is not too late for them to halt these deeply damaging reforms.”

The report was taken up by social media, with the hashtag #spartacus report trending for some time earlier today.

Actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry tweeted “Looks as if the government’s been found out lying and misleading the people on the subject of disability allowances.”

A discussion of the Welfare Reform Bill is expected to resume on January 11^th in the House of Lords.

More information on the report can be found on Sue Marsh’s blog.