Latest news with #PersonalIndependentPayment
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP denies claim they considered cuts for wheelchair users in welfare clampdown
Scottish Labour figures are said to have ensured mobility claims would be unaffected by the welfare bill, which will be voted on tonight The DWP has denied claims they considered including wheelchair users in a welfare clampdown. The Record was told senior Scottish Labour figures ensured people with mobility problems were spared from the cuts ahead of the original plans being published earlier this year. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall initially proposed around £5bn of cuts to sickness and disability benefits in a bid to get costs under control. But a major Labour rebellion forced a rethink and the cuts will only apply to future claimants, exempting people currently on benefits. The crunch vote on the welfare bill takes place this evening. Part of the savings plan is restricting eligibility for Personal Independent Payment (PIP), which is awarded to people with a disability or mental health condition. There are two elements to PIP: a daily living part, and a mobility 'payment' for people who need help with getting around. The Kendall plan will make it harder for new claimants to receive the daily living part of PIP by tightening eligibility through a new points system. The mobility component is exempt from the changes, but the Record was told including people with walking difficulties was discussed ahead of the announcement in March. Scottish Labour figures are said to have successfully argued for mobility not to be part of the new system. However, a DWP spokesperson said: 'We're delivering one of the biggest and most ambitious packages of welfare reforms in a generation to put the system on a sustainable footing and ensure the safety net will always be there for those who need it.' 'Changes to mobility rules were never considered as part of this and we continue to work with devolved administrations to ensure their views are at the heart of what we do, which is why we held Green Paper consultation events in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.' PIP is devolved to Holyrood, but any cuts will impact on the Scottish Parliament's social security budget. SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn MP said: 'The parliamentary maths are becoming clear - Scottish Labour MPs now hold the power and have the numbers to stop this bill and stop the Labour Government's attack on disabled people. 'This legislation, which would create a cruel two-tier disability system, is an attack on disabled people and its fate now rests in the hands of Scottish Labour MPs. The choice ahead of those Scottish Labour MPs is simple – they can either support Keir Starmer's cuts or they can support disabled people. 'This is a test of fairness and a test of values – how can any MP vote for a system that means if you have an accident that causes a disability, develop a disability over time or if you have a child with a disability, you will receive less support than those who have come before you.' Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: 'The whole premise for these welfare reforms is based on ableist misinformation and a toxic attempt to score political points over Nigel Farage. ' New claimants will still be subjected to the new, harsher assessment regime, and will not receive the benefits they need and deserve."
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scots charity says Labour welfare cuts will 'rip gaping holes' in support for vulnerable
Citizens Advice Scotland has criticised the welfare reforms as well as the last minute changes to the bill A top Scottish charity has dismissed Keir Starmer's concessions on his welfare cuts bill as 'nowhere near enough'. Citizens Advice Scotland said the decision to exempt existing claimants only from tougher eligibility rules creates a 'two tier' system. The Labour Government was under huge pressure over plans to slash around £5bn from the disability and sickness benefits bill. But Ministers made a late-night climbdown ahead of Tuesday's vote by watering down the cuts package. All current Personal Independent Payment recipients - a benefit devolved to Holyrood - will not now be affected by the crackdown. New claims from November 2026 will come under the tightened rule regime. The concessions are expected to head off a major rebellion by Labour MPs, but CAS hit out at the revised plan. CAS spokesperson Emma Jackson said: 'The concessions that have been reported are nowhere near enough. Creating a two-tier system is highly problematic. It seems the UK Government's message is: you're ok if you are disabled today, but good luck if you become disabled tomorrow. 'Furthermore, it appears none of the issues that the reforms risk for people in Scotland have been addressed, like guaranteeing the passporting capacity of the adult disability payment. Without this huge uncertainty exists. 'Social security is an investment in all of us that should act as both a safety net and springboard; enabling people to realise their potential and providing support during the challenges of life that any of us could experience. 'These reforms will rip gaping holes into the system that so many depend on. In a just and compassionate society, we cannot allow this to happen. We urge the UK Government to halt these reforms altogether and engage with meaningful consultation and co-design with disabled people.' Over 100 Labour MPs, including 12 from Scotland, had signed up to an amendment to the welfare bill that would have wrecked the entire package. Asked whether he was confident the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill would now pass, health minister Stephen Kinnock told Times Radio: 'Yes.' One of the MP rebels, Dame Meg Hillier, appeared satisfied with the compromise: 'This is a positive outcome that has seen the Government listen and engage with the concerns of Labour MPs and their constituents. 'It's encouraging that we have reached what I believe is a workable compromise that will protect disabled people and support people back into work while ensuring the welfare system can be meaningfully reformed. This means that disabled people currently in receipt of Pip and the health element of universal credit will continue to receive the same level of support.' Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall: 'I hope these changes will mean we get support for our Bill, a Bill that wants to ensure fairness in the welfare system for people who really need support. It's really important that we make changes in the future so the welfare state is there for people who really, really need it.' She said of claims about a ' two tier ' system: 'Well the changes that we are introducing will make sure existing claimants are unaffected, but we also all agree that there do need to be changes in the future to make sure that people who can work do, so we protect those who can't but we make the welfare state sustainable for the future.' SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 'The changes now being proposed by the UK Government would create a two-tier system, which cannot be fair. 'And this half U-turn still does not scrap the rule which will deny Personal Independence Payment to people unless they score four points or more for at least one activity. This will prevent support for hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities in the future. 'These reforms have been shambolic from the start. They will be hugely damaging to those who rely on social security support, and still seek to balance the books by targeting the most vulnerable.'
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP PIP benefit changes announced by government ahead of major shake up
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The government has revealed plans to provide three months' worth of Personal Independent Payment (PIP) benefits to claimants whose subsequent applications are rejected, as outlined in the newly published welfare bill. As part of proposed changes to PIP, the government has introduced additional safeguards for the most vulnerable benefit recipients, which will be enshrined in law. However, the proposed reforms have been met with criticism, being labelled as "cruel" and "unjust". The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, set to be presented to Parliament, includes a 13-week financial safety net for claimants impacted by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who risk losing Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit. According to the government, this temporary protection aims to provide individuals affected by the changes with time to adapt, access tailored employment support, and plan for their future following reassessment and the end of their entitlement. Furthermore, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that over 200,000 individuals with severe, lifelong conditions will be exempt from future reassessments for Universal Credit entitlement. Those meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria, who are deemed unable to work, will not undergo reassessment and will receive the higher rate of UC health top-up, amounting to £97 per week, reports the Manchester Evening News. However, as part of the Bill, the government is planning on cutting the health rate of new Universal Credit claims to £50 from April 2026. It comes after Labour announced its major overhaul to the disability benefit in March, with proposed changes affecting the eligibility criteria of the benefit in a bid to cut down welfare spending. The changes are expected to take effect from November 2026, impacting both new and existing claimants. It has not yet been confirmed how many will be affected by the cuts - however it is thought the changes to PIP will slash benefits for about 800,000 people. In the coming weeks, legislation will also be drafted for a Right to Try Guarantee - meaning that trying work will not lead to a reassessment or award review of your benefit claim. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. "This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. "This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change." National disability charity Sense has called the Bill "unjust" and "cruel" and has said it is extremely concerned about these proposed changes to disability benefits. Research from the charity has revealed that half of disabled people with complex needs are already in debt due to benefit payments not going far enough. Chief Executive James Watson-O'Neill said: "The government's proposed cuts to disability benefits will have devastating consequences for disabled people across the country - pushing thousands further into poverty, hardship, and isolation. "Many disabled people already find themselves in debt because current benefits don't stretch far enough. Cutting support further at a time when the cost of living remains high is not only unjust - it is cruel. "We urge MPs to listen to disabled people and reject this legislation. Our welfare system should support those who need it most - not abandon them. "We're especially alarmed by plans to cut the Universal Credit uplift for those with the greatest barriers to work. Many of the disabled people and families we support have told us they're frightened - uncertain how they'll afford food, heating, or other basic needs without this vital support. This comes on top of worrying changes to PIP, which we've heard from many of our disabled staff and community helps them to stay in work." James Taylor, Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope, called the bill 'catastrophic'. He said: "This bill will be catastrophic for disabled people. "Cutting benefits will plunge hundreds of thousands into poverty. Over 800,000 will lose at least some financial support from PIP. It will have a devastating effect on disabled people's health, ability to live independently or work. "A transition period will only temporarily delay a cut and disabled people will continue to be living with extra costs when it comes to an end. "Life costs more if you are disabled, whether or not you are working. The government needs listen to disabled people and change course." Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, added: "This bill is a disaster for disabled people, and we urge MPs to reject this legislation in its current form. It will take vital financial support away from hundreds of thousands of disabled people, many of whom have mental health problems. Previous austerity measures worsened people's living conditions, undermined their mental health and increased the risk of suicide and premature deaths – and that's likely to be the case here too. "These plans will not help the UK government reduce the number of disabled people out of work. Personal Independence Payment is also granted to disabled people who are in work to help them meet the cost of their disability – and removing this support will make it harder for them to remain in the workforce. The Office for Budget Responsibility has also said there is no robust analysis showing this will encourage anyone to return to the workforce. Given that, our view is that these cuts are counterproductive and cruel. "A more effective alternative for the government would be to move forward with its progressive policies that encourage people to return to work, such as the Right to Try scheme and improvements to support in job centres, and evaluate how these help people return to the workforce. Cutting support for disabled people without knowing that is a recipe for disaster." At Prime Minister's Questions earlier today, Angela Rayner said she knows some people are "fearful" of changes to Personal Independence Payments and carer's allowance, but that Labour will support those who need it. Liberal Democrats deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "Liberal Democrat analysis of the Government's own data suggests that 1.3 million disabled people are at risk of losing some support. So can the Deputy Prime Minister honestly say, hand on heart, that this is a change that one million disabled people and their carers were promised?" Ms Rayner responded: "Labour is the party of work, and also the party of fairness and social justice. We've announced a plan to get Britain working again, and we're clear on the principles and I want to be clear on that. Those who want to work should be able to work, and those who can never work should be protected... "I know how some people are fearful of the changes, but this Labour Government put its values into place and will ensure that people are supported into work where they can and, where they can't, they are supported." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
19-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
DWP PIP benefit changes announced by government ahead of major shake up
The government has revealed plans to provide three months' worth of Personal Independent Payment (PIP) benefits to claimants whose subsequent applications are rejected, as outlined in the newly published welfare bill. As part of proposed changes to PIP, the government has introduced additional safeguards for the most vulnerable benefit recipients, which will be enshrined in law. However, the proposed reforms have been met with criticism, being labelled as "cruel" and "unjust". The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, set to be presented to Parliament, includes a 13-week financial safety net for claimants impacted by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who risk losing Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit. According to the government, this temporary protection aims to provide individuals affected by the changes with time to adapt, access tailored employment support, and plan for their future following reassessment and the end of their entitlement. Furthermore, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that over 200,000 individuals with severe, lifelong conditions will be exempt from future reassessments for Universal Credit entitlement. Those meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria, who are deemed unable to work, will not undergo reassessment and will receive the higher rate of UC health top-up, amounting to £97 per week, reports the Manchester Evening News. However, as part of the Bill, the government is planning on cutting the health rate of new Universal Credit claims to £50 from April 2026. It comes after Labour announced its major overhaul to the disability benefit in March, with proposed changes affecting the eligibility criteria of the benefit in a bid to cut down welfare spending. The changes are expected to take effect from November 2026, impacting both new and existing claimants. It has not yet been confirmed how many will be affected by the cuts - however it is thought the changes to PIP will slash benefits for about 800,000 people. In the coming weeks, legislation will also be drafted for a Right to Try Guarantee - meaning that trying work will not lead to a reassessment or award review of your benefit claim. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. "This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. "This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change." National disability charity Sense has called the Bill "unjust" and "cruel" and has said it is extremely concerned about these proposed changes to disability benefits. Research from the charity has revealed that half of disabled people with complex needs are already in debt due to benefit payments not going far enough. Chief Executive James Watson-O'Neill said: "The government's proposed cuts to disability benefits will have devastating consequences for disabled people across the country - pushing thousands further into poverty, hardship, and isolation. "Many disabled people already find themselves in debt because current benefits don't stretch far enough. Cutting support further at a time when the cost of living remains high is not only unjust - it is cruel. "We urge MPs to listen to disabled people and reject this legislation. Our welfare system should support those who need it most - not abandon them. "We're especially alarmed by plans to cut the Universal Credit uplift for those with the greatest barriers to work. Many of the disabled people and families we support have told us they're frightened - uncertain how they'll afford food, heating, or other basic needs without this vital support. This comes on top of worrying changes to PIP, which we've heard from many of our disabled staff and community helps them to stay in work." James Taylor, Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope, called the bill 'catastrophic'. He said: "This bill will be catastrophic for disabled people. "Cutting benefits will plunge hundreds of thousands into poverty. Over 800,000 will lose at least some financial support from PIP. It will have a devastating effect on disabled people's health, ability to live independently or work. "A transition period will only temporarily delay a cut and disabled people will continue to be living with extra costs when it comes to an end. "Life costs more if you are disabled, whether or not you are working. The government needs listen to disabled people and change course." Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, added: "This bill is a disaster for disabled people, and we urge MPs to reject this legislation in its current form. It will take vital financial support away from hundreds of thousands of disabled people, many of whom have mental health problems. Previous austerity measures worsened people's living conditions, undermined their mental health and increased the risk of suicide and premature deaths – and that's likely to be the case here too. "These plans will not help the UK government reduce the number of disabled people out of work. Personal Independence Payment is also granted to disabled people who are in work to help them meet the cost of their disability – and removing this support will make it harder for them to remain in the workforce. The Office for Budget Responsibility has also said there is no robust analysis showing this will encourage anyone to return to the workforce. Given that, our view is that these cuts are counterproductive and cruel. "A more effective alternative for the government would be to move forward with its progressive policies that encourage people to return to work, such as the Right to Try scheme and improvements to support in job centres, and evaluate how these help people return to the workforce. Cutting support for disabled people without knowing that is a recipe for disaster." At Prime Minister's Questions earlier today, Angela Rayner said she knows some people are "fearful" of changes to Personal Independence Payments and carer's allowance, but that Labour will support those who need it. Liberal Democrats deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "Liberal Democrat analysis of the Government's own data suggests that 1.3 million disabled people are at risk of losing some support. So can the Deputy Prime Minister honestly say, hand on heart, that this is a change that one million disabled people and their carers were promised?" Ms Rayner responded: "Labour is the party of work, and also the party of fairness and social justice. We've announced a plan to get Britain working again, and we're clear on the principles and I want to be clear on that. Those who want to work should be able to work, and those who can never work should be protected... "I know how some people are fearful of the changes, but this Labour Government put its values into place and will ensure that people are supported into work where they can and, where they can't, they are supported."
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Keir Starmer doubles down on benefit shakeup despite Labour rebellion
Keir Starmer ruled out softening disability benefit cuts when asked if rebel Labour MPs should 'lump it' as he faces a huge Commons rebellion over welfare changes Keir Starmer has ruled out softening controversial welfare cuts following a furious backlash from his own MPs. Asked whether Labour rebels will have to "lump it", the PM insisted he will push ahead with reforms in spite of criticism. He faces a wave of backbench anger, with around 100 MPs raising concerns about the measures. In a defiant message to his critics he vowed to get on and reform the benefit system to slash billions of pounds from the welfare bill. Pressed on whether he might water down the Government's proposals - which will see eligibility for the Personal Independent Payment (PIP) restricted - Mr Starmer said: "To start from the fundamentals, the system as it is is not working. Therefore it needs to be reformed. "It is not complying with the three principles I have set out many times: support those who need support; ensure that those who can get into work are supported into work; and that those who can work should work. That's the approach I've taken so far, it's the approach I'll continue to take to this." Under the plans, which are expected to go to a vote in the Commons next month, ministers will plough around £1billion into employment support for disabled people. But around £5billion will be saved by making hundreds of thousands of people ineligible for PIP. The PM continued: The argument for reform is overwhelming and that's why we will get on and we will reform." Asked a second time whether disgruntled MPs would have to lump it, he said: "We have to get on and reform this system, it's not working for anybody and therefore we have to reform it." A group of 42 MPs warned the PM last week that the plans were "impossible to support". They called on the Government to delay a vote until the autumn so a full assessment of the cuts can be made. A separate letter signed by as many as 80 MPs is also understood to be calling for a delay. Earlier this week disability minister Sir Stephen Timms told The Mirror there would be no such pause - saying reform was "urgent". Sir Stephen said: "I think the reform is urgent. We do need to get on with this." Grim Government analysis suggested around 250,000 extra people, including 50,000 children, could be dragged into poverty due to the proposed changes. But Sir Stephen said surveys showed 200,000 people who are currently out of work on health and disability grounds want to get a job if the right support was available.
