Next week, people with disabilities will be taking to the streets of Bradford to protest against cuts to benefits and services they fear will leave them without vital daily support.

The rally is being organised by Bradford and District Disabled People’s Forum (BDPF) as part of the Hardest Hit campaign which will see similar protests across the UK.

The controversial reforms are part of the biggest shake-up to Britain’s welfare service in more than 60 years.

Emmerson Walgrove, deputy chairman of BDPF, hopes the rally will highlight to the Government the widespread opposition to the proposed cuts to services, and changes to the Disability Living Allowance.

The BDPF also wants the Government to ensure that the Employment and Support Allowance system works by improving the assessment process.

“They must make sure disabled people who are unable to work get the support they need as long as they need it, and make sure that the welfare system supports people with the additional costs of living with a disability,” said Mr Walgrove.

Campaigners claim disabled people and their families will be £9 billion worse off and are hardest hit by the Government’s cuts, under the Welfare Reform Bill.

Plans include replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) from 2013, and re-assessing claimants.

The Government says the changes will simplify a complex system, but campaigners claim many disabled people will lose benefits and independence.

Earlier this year, Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller told the Telegraph & Argus that basic living allowances for people with disabilities cost the Government £12 billion a year – more than the country’s transport bill.

She said the DLA has changed little in nearly 20 years and is inconsistent in its support, and she claimed of the 5,500-plus responses to a national consultation, many people favoured reviewing the current system and replacing it with a less complex procedure.

But campaigners fear the new assessment system will be confusing and unfair.

Kevin Baldwin, chief executive of Keighley and District Association for the Blind, helps blind and partially-sighted people fill in forms, but says under new regulations they’ll go to an assessor who doesn’t know them or their circumstances.

“Assessment isn’t always straightforward, but under a blanket assessment it will be yes/no answers and box-ticking. People may have difficulty communicating their needs,” he said.

“I see the point in a review, but why scrap the whole thing? It’s about saving money. These people are a soft target.”

Sarah Pearson’s mother can’t walk properly, because of a number of health problems, and relies on her DLA to live an independent life.

“Our fear is that if this is cut, she will lose her independence and will no longer be able to live in her own home,” said Sarah, of Keighley.

“I know there are people abusing the system, and a review is probably long overdue, but my fear is that people who genuinely need help will suffer. Why should my mother, who has genuine mobility problems, have to undergo a re-assessment she’s already worried sick about?”

Mrs Miller insists the new assessment procedure will be less complicated.

“Thousands of people are being overpaid DLA. The current system isn’t picking up on changes in condition, leaving some people at risk of not receiving the right support, while others may claim for a benefit they’re no longer entitled to,” she said.

“PIP is about assessing people’s needs for independent living. Assessments will be more responsive to needs of people with sensory impairments, learning difficulties and the autistic spectrum.

“We are working with disabled people and organisations and healthcare experts to shape the new process.”

The rally, on Saturday, October 22, starts at 11am at Bridge Street and Tyrrel Street, by City Hall.