DISABLED people in Inverclyde look set to lose £9 million a year as a direct result of welfare reforms.

Health and social care bosses have sent out the shock warning as they consider the impact of the new personal independence payment benefit.

Around 3,700 people in Inverclyde will be moving from the existing Disability Living Allowance.

So far the 59 people who switched over in the first four months of the year have collectively lost weekly payments totalling £2,788.

Disability rights campaigner Councillor Jim MacLeod, above,  said: “This is disgusting and draconian. These are cuts on the most vulnerable in society. 

“They are paying for a deficit and a financial crisis caused by bankers.

“It is a lot of money for people in Inverclyde to lose. It is not just disabled people, it is their carers as well. 

These people have often given up their careers and good jobs to look after them. People are losing their cars. 

“How can people live independently if their means of doing so are taken away from them?” 

The report by the director of health and social care Brian Moore gives an in-depth assessment of what is likely to happen.

It warns that millions of pounds could be lost.

In the four month period, the DLA received by the 59 claimants was £4,962, but after reassessment the total weekly PIP received had reduced to £2,174.

Analysis suggests an estimated 1,357 existing DLA claimants currently receiving either high or middle rate care stand to lose entitlements to PIP Daily Living Component, which props up the payments.

The Tele had previously reported that last year welfare rights advisors managed to claw back £643,000 by challenging decision for nearly 240 clients. 

There is also growing concern that people have to travel all the way to Glasgow.

Welfare rights officers working for the council, the Inverclyde Council on Disability and Financial Fitness are all supporting appeals.

Councillor MacLeod again called for people to challenge decisions, with Inverclyde having a 73 per cent success rate so far.

He said: “People must not suffer in silence, they have to get help.”