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DISABILITY WALES SAID THE CANCELLATION OF THE EVENT IN CARDIFF "SILENCES DISABLED PEOPLE ACROSS WALES - THOSE WHO WOULD BE MOST AFFECTED". 05:57, 04 Jun 2025 A row has erupted

after the ONLY welfare cuts event in Wales was cancelled ahead of planned sweeping Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reforms and cuts. Disability people's rights group have slammed

the Labour Party government. The government has been blasted after it cancelled the only in-person event it had planned in Wales to gather views on its benefit cutting plans. It is thought

the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit shake-up could affect almost 190,000 people in Wales. Disability Wales said the cancellation of the event in Cardiff

"silences disabled people across Wales - those who would be most affected". The DWP said the views and voices of sick and disabled people "are at the heart of our

reforms". READ MORE £300 PAYMENTS ANNOUNCED FOR STATE PENSIONERS WHO LOST WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE A copy of an email shared with the BBC from the DWP said there had been an

"unexpected last minute cancellation by the venue". It has offered "priority space" for individuals to take part in virtual events. Article continues below Disability

Wales said on social network X that it was "aghast" at the decision. "This decision silences disabled people across Wales - those who would be most affected by these

devastating changes"," the disability group warned. "An online alternative is no substitute for meaningful accessible face-to-face engagement". Sioned Williams, of Plaid

Cymru, said it was "proof of Labour's contempt towards Wales". A DWP spokesperson said: "We will never compromise on protecting people who need our support, and our

reforms will mean the social security system will always be there for those who will never be able to work, and that their income is protected. Article continues below "We are working

to rearrange the event in Wales as part of a series of face to face and virtual consultations, so the views and voices of sick and disabled people are at the heart of our reforms."