Welfare reforms to push 150,000 people into poverty by 2030, says DWP
AROUND 150,000 people will be pushed into poverty by 2030 as a result of the UK Government 's welfare cuts despite Keir Starmer being forced into a partial U-turn.
Modelling published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the estimate does not include any 'potential positive impact' from extra funding and measures to support people with disabilities and long-term health conditions into work.
MPs are expected to vote on the welfare reform bill on Tuesday at Westminster. The Government will be hoping it passes after offering Labour rebels a series of concessions in a bid to head off Starmer's first major Commons defeat since coming to power.
READ MORE: SNP minister raises 'deep concerns' over Ash Regan's prostitution bill
The major changes to its planned welfare cuts have been made to avoid a rebellion by more than 120 Labour backbenchers.
The UK Government's original package had restricted eligibility for PIP, the main disability payment in England, and cut the health-related element of Universal Credit, saying this would save around £5 billion a year by 2030.
Now, the changes to PIP eligibility will be implemented in November 2026 and apply to new claimants only while all existing recipients of the health element of Universal Credit will have their incomes protected in real terms.
The changes will reduce the amount of money the reforms will save, adding to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' headaches as she seeks to balance the books for day-to-day spending.
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