When it comes to opinions on changing the system for claiming incapacity benefits, it seems you're split right down the middle.

Numerous comments were left on our article on Monday asking whether or not you thought it was a good idea to revamp the system with stricter tests on claimants and more money to those with severe disabilities.

On one side, the news was welcomed by those who felt this was a fair way of stopping 'scroungers' in their tracks.

Brian Phillips from New Ash Green said: "The present government has made many terrible decisions, but who could possibly object to this one?

"If you're a genuine claimant you have nothing to worry about. If you're not, I for one will be very glad to stop subsidising your lifestyle while I struggle to maintain my own."

There were several comments from Gary in Rochester, who seemed pretty riled at the idea of disability payments going up.

He said: "With jobless numbers rising, where do you think the money will come from to pay the benefits? There are more people unfairly getting benefits than those who really need it.

"In this day and age of technology only the severly disabled are unable to earn a wage."

He later added: "You want to know the truth? Stand in a building society when benefits are paid and see how many not working come in to pay Sky TV, annual holiday abroad, mobile phone bills, broadband and take out money for clothes, fags and drink.

"Why get a job and pay for these things themselves?"

Robert Martin from Cambridgeshire thought the Government’s attention was ultimately misplaced.

He said: "Don’t debate over the rights and wrongs of incapacity benefit when someone can breeze into this country without paying a penny in taxes and get their rent paid to the tune of £1,400 per month and have the welfare of five children taken care of.

"I did not choose to get prostate cancer and now have to think whether I can afford to put my heating on!"

However, there were others who felt the new system discriminated against those with genuine disabilities.

Chris Green, from Medway, said: "Whilst I agree that there ARE people claiming benefit by deception, WE (the disabled) are again being branded as benefit cheats. We are a soft target."

Jim from Thanet added: "We are (already) tested by government appointed doctors, which seems to say that the doctors we already see are lying in some way."