People affected by planned cuts to disability payments say it will "take away any quality of life."

More than 1,400 people who receive home care are due to be impacted by the changes announced recently by Norfolk County Council (NCC).

The cash-strapped authority will reduce the amount of financial support it provides later this year as part of efforts to make £64.2m in savings.

But disabled people and their careers say it will "push them over the edge" and the loss in funds will prevent them from being able to afford socialising with friends and family.

Susan Lake, 26, fears the cuts will stop her from seeing her familySusan Lake, 26, fears the cuts will stop her from seeing her family (Image: Susan Lake)

Susan Lake, 26, a University of East Anglia masters student, has autism and is a full-time wheelchair user.

The 26-year-old, who is studying International Security, receives a severe disability premium but she says this is used to pay NCC for her care needs.

She receives £1,700 a month but is left with about £250 a week after paying for her care needs.

This has to cover all bills, food, taxis to get to appointments and maintenance of her powered wheelchair which can run into hundreds of pounds.

The care-leaver, who lives in supported accommodation in Norwich, said: "It has got to the point where I'm having to avoid places so I don't spend money.

"I'm having to meet my siblings, who live in Yarmouth virtually because I cannot afford to meet - we used to do so every Friday.

"I should be able to save my money the way I want to. But currently, I'm only saving it each month to give it back to the government.

"I was in care as a child and that means social services are my corporate parents. Those same corporate parents are taking money from me weekly. In any other situation, this would be called financial abuse."

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County Hall in NorwichCounty Hall in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?

The Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) - the income disabled people can keep for everyday expenses after the cost of council-arranged home care is taken into account - will be reduced from £187 a week to £171.25 a week. 

The changes mean the council's policy is now in line with the government's recommendations for the MIG.

It will save NCC more than £1m a year but will leave people who are already extremely tight on funds with even less money each month. 

READ MORE: Norfolk consultation over disabled cuts 'rigged'

Marie Cockman and Neil KinsellaMarie Cockman and Neil Kinsella (Image: Brittany Creasey)

'ON THE BREAD LINE'

Neil Kinsella, who lives with his partner Marie Cockman, who has cerebral palsy, feels NCC failed to listen to their concerns.

He said: "We are really struggling to survive as it is. Taking this away means we will not have any quality of life as all our money will go towards just existing and we won't be able to afford to do things like go out for a coffee.

"NCC stopped answering my questions and the consultation was not conducted properly - it felt like they ignored us."

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Scenes from the cabinet meeting this month when the vote to cut the Minimum Income Guarantee for disabled people were madeScenes from the cabinet meeting this month when the vote to cut the Minimum Income Guarantee for disabled people were made (Image: Owen Sennitt)

The County Council has said it will be writing to those affected next month to explain how the changes will affect individuals.

It says about a third of people receiving non-residential adult care services are affected.

A spokesperson said: “We do understand that this decision, while necessary, may be causing concern among some of those affected.

"Some people’s charges will not change, although some will have to make a higher contribution, depending on their circumstances.

"We urge people not to jump to any conclusions until they have received a letter from us.

"If any information is unclear or if you are concerned about the impact of the changes, please contact us."