“I\u2019m not claiming anything, but maybe I should be, I don\u2019t know. I just feel for everyone in that situation and how they\u2019re being branded.”<\/p>\n

The Government is seeking to address spiralling welfare costs, with the benefits bill reaching \u00a348billion in 2023-24.<\/p>\n

This figure is forecast to rise to \u00a367billion by 2029-30, which would exceed the current schools budget.<\/p>\n

Ministers insist reforms are necessary as the number of people claiming sickness or disability benefits has increased from 2.8 million to about 4 million since 2019.<\/p>\n

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Downing Street has said there is “both a moral and an economic case” for overhauling the system.<\/p>\n

Disability advocate and Big Brother star Kerry Riches, who was diagnosed with MS at 24, explained: “I drive a hand controlled car. I cannot feel anything from the knee down.”<\/p>\n

“If you look okay, you must be okay. How can you possibly be disabled if you can speak articulately on the telly or on the radio?”<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n