DISABLED people across Norfolk are to target their MP's surgeries as part of a high profile campaign to fight planned government budget cuts.The lobbying of MPs to try to save essential benefits and allowances for the county's 180,000 disabled population has been organised by the Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People (NCODP).

DISABLED people across Norfolk are to target their MP's surgeries as part of a high profile campaign to fight planned government budget cuts.

The lobbying of MPs to try to save essential benefits and allowances for the county's 180,000 disabled population has been organised by the Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People (NCODP).

The pressure group is also asking candidates in next week's Norwich City Council by-elections if they support moves to axe or slash the independent living fund, disability living allowance, incapacity benefit and mortgage support.

NCODP says the lobbying of the county's MPs by its 400 members and grilling of candidates is vital in its fight to save benefits and allowances.

The group claims the coalition government's proposed changes will take the equality of disabled people back to the Dark Ages.

NCODP is also calling for a meeting with ministers to make sure the voices of disabled people are not ignored as the government tries to balance the nation's books.

They hope politicians at all levels will see how disability living allowance and the independent living fund help lift people out of welfare dependency - saving the government money in the long run.

Mark Harrison, chief executive of NCODP, said: “The government's dramatic attack on benefits and allowances, alongside the cuts to social and health care, will have a serious effect on a large part of Norfolk's population.

“Everyone has been shocked by the assault on disabled people by this government.

“The independent living fund and disability living allowance allow disabled people to find work and live independent lives.

“It seems as if the government wants to take us back to the Dark Ages.

“We are going to follow our local politicians around and ask them all what they think of the issues involved.”

NCODP has also contacted the Equality and Human Rights Commission to make sure disabled people are not being discriminated against by having their allowances cut.

The group is also calling for the creation of the post of secretary of state for disabled people to give them a voice at cabinet level.

The government claims its plans, due to be ratified later this year, are “progressive” and will hit the richest hardest.

For information on Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People's campaign call its headquarters at Framingham Pigot, near Norwich on 01508 491215 or visit www.ncodp.org.uk