A CWMCARN man who had his incapacity benefit cut despite being registered blind and suffering from rheumatoid arthritis is being backed by a local assembly member.

The Argus reported in December that Tony Harris, 51, of Tribute Avenue, was declared fit to work following a Department for Work and Pensions reassessment, resulting in his incapacity benefit of £199 every fortnight being stopped.

Mr Harris is appealing against the decision and has now got the support of Plaid South Wales East AMJocelyn Davies.

Ms Davies said she had mentioned Mr Harris’ case during an Assembly debate held at the Senedd and said other members were left “shocked”.

She said: “It is ridiculous to expect someone in his situation to find employment. It would call into question the test being used.”

Ms Davies said she would be supporting Mr Harris in his appeal, which she hoped would happen as soon as possible, but Mr Harris said this could take up to a year.

Since the incapacity benefit was stopped at the end of December, he said he has around £400 a month to live on, which includes around £62 a week in job seeker’s allowance. Other than this he is relying on savings.

Mr Harris, who has had a guide dog for the past nine years, said: “I seem to be being penalised because I’m independent.”

Mr Harris started claiming incapacity benefit in 2000 when he had to take medical retirement from his job with telecoms factory Nortel in Cwmcarn, a job he held for 21 years.

‘Back-to-work support’

A DWP spokeswoman said the government is committed to supporting more people with health conditions back in to work.

She said: “People who are found fit for work will now be supported through the new work programme which provides tailored support for people to get into sustained employment.

People who are found too sick or disabled to work will continue to receive unconditional support and a higher rate of benefit.”