Richmond's MP has been criticised by a charity he is a patron of after voting to cut £30 a week from the disabled.

Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond and Tania Mathias, Twickenham’s MP, both voted to push through the disability cuts despite warnings from charities that this would make it harder for disabled people to find work and against a House of Lords request for an impact assessment on disability benefits cuts.

Mr Goldsmith is a patron of the charity Richmond AID, who this week criticised his decision to vote through the cuts.

Lucy Byrne, chief executive of Richmond AID said: “Richmond AID believe that the cuts to ESA, which are due to be implemented on April 1, 2017, will have a severe and detrimental impact on the lives of disabled people and will make it more difficult for people to find work. It must be recognised that being a disabled person means higher general living expenses, for example to keep warm, travel to activities, participate in the community and travel to medical appointments. For those getting close to getting back to the workplace, add to that the cost of taxis to interviews, smart clothes for work and internet access.

“We believe tThis cut moves disabled people further away from the workplace and increases their social isolation of people who are already vulnerable and experiencing barriers whilst seeking employment. We are shocked and disappointed to find that both our local MPs have voting for this cut and plan to invite both MPs to our offices to explain the impact this will have on disabled people.”

Ms Byrne said she was surprised to see how Mr Goldsmith voted, as they have developed a good working relationship with him. SheMs Byrne also said Dr Mathias had helped get a good outcome for one client.

Zac Goldsmith’s office was not available for comment.