Latest news with #WorkandPensionsCommittee
Glasgow Times
23-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Labour MPs rebel against welfare cuts with bid to kill Bill
A reasoned amendment due to be published on Tuesday will seek to halt the Bill. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle would need to select the amendment when MPs debate the legislation at its second reading. But it could pose a major challenge to the Government's plans. Dozens of MPs, including 11 select committee chairs, are understood to have backed it. The chairwoman of the Work and Pensions Committee said the aim was to persuade the Government to 'think again', while another backer urged the Government to 'go back to the drawing board'. It comes after Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall sought to talk up the changes and persuade backbench MPs at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). Under the proposals, ministers will limit eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit (UC). The amendment acknowledges the need to reform the social security system but calls to reject the Bill because of a lack of consultation with disabled people and their carers. It also makes the case that arrangements are not in place to help those affected by the changes, noting that most additional employment support funding will not be in place until the end of the decade. And it points to the fact that an analysis of the impact of the reforms on employment from the Office for Budget Responsibility will not be published until the autumn. Debbie Abrahams MP, chairwoman of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: 'We desperately want the Government to succeed in the shared goal of getting people who can work into work and supporting those who can't. 'We want the Government to listen and to think again on this Bill. 'We are being asked to vote for this Bill before disabled people have been consulted, before impact assessments have been conducted, and before we have given enough time to some of the Government's key policies – investing in the NHS, to the right to try, and to work coaching – (to) have been able to bed in.' Another MP backing the amendment said: 'The breadth of the support for this amendment, from across the PLP, shows just how concerned MPs are about the cuts to disability benefits. 'The Government needs to withdraw the Bill and go back to the drawing board.' The Government has faced a growing backlash to its planned reforms, with Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigning as a Government whip because of her concerns over the package. MPs continued to voice their concerns in the Commons on Monday. Next week's Universal Credit and PIP Bill will impose poverty on disabled people. It is unacceptable the government are not publishing key information on the scale of that impact. — Andy McDonald MP for Middlesbrough & Thornaby East (@AndyMcDonaldMP) June 23, 2025 Andy McDonald, who represents Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said he and his colleagues were being asked to vote on imposing 'appalling poverty'. Ministers have previously said the reforms could save up to £5 billion a year. The Work and Pensions Secretary told the PLP that the plans are 'rooted in fairness'. Ms Kendall said: 'The path to a fairer society – one where everyone thrives, where people who can work get the support they need, and where we protect those who cannot – that is the path we seek to build with our reforms. 'Our plans are rooted in fairness – for those who need support and for taxpayers.' She argued they are about ensuring the survival of the welfare state so there is always a safety net for those in need of it. Ms Kendall added: 'But above all they are about our belief that everyone can fulfil their potential and live their hopes and dreams when, collectively, we provide them with real opportunities and support. 'This is the better future we seek to build for our constituents and our country.'
Leader Live
23-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Labour MPs rebel against welfare cuts with bid to kill Bill
A reasoned amendment due to be published on Tuesday will seek to halt the Bill. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle would need to select the amendment when MPs debate the legislation at its second reading. But it could pose a major challenge to the Government's plans. Dozens of MPs, including 11 select committee chairs, are understood to have backed it. The chairwoman of the Work and Pensions Committee said the aim was to persuade the Government to 'think again', while another backer urged the Government to 'go back to the drawing board'. It comes after Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall sought to talk up the changes and persuade backbench MPs at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). Under the proposals, ministers will limit eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit (UC). The amendment acknowledges the need to reform the social security system but calls to reject the Bill because of a lack of consultation with disabled people and their carers. It also makes the case that arrangements are not in place to help those affected by the changes, noting that most additional employment support funding will not be in place until the end of the decade. And it points to the fact that an analysis of the impact of the reforms on employment from the Office for Budget Responsibility will not be published until the autumn. Debbie Abrahams MP, chairwoman of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: 'We desperately want the Government to succeed in the shared goal of getting people who can work into work and supporting those who can't. 'We want the Government to listen and to think again on this Bill. 'We are being asked to vote for this Bill before disabled people have been consulted, before impact assessments have been conducted, and before we have given enough time to some of the Government's key policies – investing in the NHS, to the right to try, and to work coaching – (to) have been able to bed in.' Another MP backing the amendment said: 'The breadth of the support for this amendment, from across the PLP, shows just how concerned MPs are about the cuts to disability benefits. 'The Government needs to withdraw the Bill and go back to the drawing board.' The Government has faced a growing backlash to its planned reforms, with Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigning as a Government whip because of her concerns over the package. MPs continued to voice their concerns in the Commons on Monday. Next week's Universal Credit and PIP Bill will impose poverty on disabled people. It is unacceptable the government are not publishing key information on the scale of that impact. — Andy McDonald MP for Middlesbrough & Thornaby East (@AndyMcDonaldMP) June 23, 2025 Andy McDonald, who represents Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said he and his colleagues were being asked to vote on imposing 'appalling poverty'. Ministers have previously said the reforms could save up to £5 billion a year. The Work and Pensions Secretary told the PLP that the plans are 'rooted in fairness'. Ms Kendall said: 'The path to a fairer society – one where everyone thrives, where people who can work get the support they need, and where we protect those who cannot – that is the path we seek to build with our reforms. 'Our plans are rooted in fairness – for those who need support and for taxpayers.' She argued they are about ensuring the survival of the welfare state so there is always a safety net for those in need of it. Ms Kendall added: 'But above all they are about our belief that everyone can fulfil their potential and live their hopes and dreams when, collectively, we provide them with real opportunities and support. 'This is the better future we seek to build for our constituents and our country.'
South Wales Guardian
23-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Labour MPs rebel against welfare cuts with bid to kill Bill
A reasoned amendment due to be published on Tuesday will seek to halt the Bill. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle would need to select the amendment when MPs debate the legislation at its second reading. But it could pose a major challenge to the Government's plans. Dozens of MPs, including 11 select committee chairs, are understood to have backed it. The chairwoman of the Work and Pensions Committee said the aim was to persuade the Government to 'think again', while another backer urged the Government to 'go back to the drawing board'. It comes after Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall sought to talk up the changes and persuade backbench MPs at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). Under the proposals, ministers will limit eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit (UC). The amendment acknowledges the need to reform the social security system but calls to reject the Bill because of a lack of consultation with disabled people and their carers. It also makes the case that arrangements are not in place to help those affected by the changes, noting that most additional employment support funding will not be in place until the end of the decade. And it points to the fact that an analysis of the impact of the reforms on employment from the Office for Budget Responsibility will not be published until the autumn. Debbie Abrahams MP, chairwoman of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: 'We desperately want the Government to succeed in the shared goal of getting people who can work into work and supporting those who can't. 'We want the Government to listen and to think again on this Bill. 'We are being asked to vote for this Bill before disabled people have been consulted, before impact assessments have been conducted, and before we have given enough time to some of the Government's key policies – investing in the NHS, to the right to try, and to work coaching – (to) have been able to bed in.' Another MP backing the amendment said: 'The breadth of the support for this amendment, from across the PLP, shows just how concerned MPs are about the cuts to disability benefits. 'The Government needs to withdraw the Bill and go back to the drawing board.' The Government has faced a growing backlash to its planned reforms, with Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigning as a Government whip because of her concerns over the package. MPs continued to voice their concerns in the Commons on Monday. Next week's Universal Credit and PIP Bill will impose poverty on disabled people. It is unacceptable the government are not publishing key information on the scale of that impact. — Andy McDonald MP for Middlesbrough & Thornaby East (@AndyMcDonaldMP) June 23, 2025 Andy McDonald, who represents Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said he and his colleagues were being asked to vote on imposing 'appalling poverty'. Ministers have previously said the reforms could save up to £5 billion a year. The Work and Pensions Secretary told the PLP that the plans are 'rooted in fairness'. Ms Kendall said: 'The path to a fairer society – one where everyone thrives, where people who can work get the support they need, and where we protect those who cannot – that is the path we seek to build with our reforms. 'Our plans are rooted in fairness – for those who need support and for taxpayers.' She argued they are about ensuring the survival of the welfare state so there is always a safety net for those in need of it. Ms Kendall added: 'But above all they are about our belief that everyone can fulfil their potential and live their hopes and dreams when, collectively, we provide them with real opportunities and support. 'This is the better future we seek to build for our constituents and our country.'
ITV News
12-06-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Kendall tells MPs she'll press ahead with welfare cuts, despite fierce opposition from backbenchers
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has told concerned MPs she'll press ahead with planned welfare cuts, despite fierce opposition from many backbenchers. Responding to a letter from the Work and Pensions Committee urging her to delay the changes, Kendall wrote "we will not avoid or delay the decisive action needed to transform the system". MPs on the committee had said there needs to be a pause in implementing the reforms while the government carry out a full impact assessment. But Kendall insisted there will be no delay, because the bill needs final sign off from Parliament by November this year for the changes to be in effect from 2026. The government plans to make it harder for disabled people to claim Personal Independence Payments (Pip), and to freeze universal credit incapacity benefits for existing claimants, while cutting them by 50% for new claimants. The reforms are expected to save £5bn from the ballooning welfare budget, but critics warn the move will push vulnerable people into poverty. ITV News revealed the details of the letter from the Work and Pensions Committee last month. The cross-party group of MPs, led by Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, said that alongside a comprehensive impact assessment, disabled people must also be consulted before MPs are asked to vote on the reforms. After hearing from a series of experts, the group warned of possible unintended consequences. The letter warned: "The legislative changes might not incentivise work as the government hopes, but rather push people deeper into poverty, worsen health, especially in more deprived areas, and move people further away from the labour market." Abrahams told ITV News that she understood the financial strain facing the government, and the need to reform welfare to support disabled people into work. But she also cited expert evidence that cutting benefits could increase the risk of suicides. Chancellor Rachel Reeves also confirmed on Thursday that the government is "not going to be changing" the planned cuts, despite speculation they could be softened. The U-turn on winter fuel and reports the government could be poised to lift the two-child benefit sparked hope from backbenchers the government could be more likely to change course on welfare. But in an interview on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Reeves insisted: "No, we're not going to be changing that. It is important that we reform the way the welfare state works, so that there is a welfare state there for people.' But the rebellion among backbench Labour MPs doesn't seem to be abating. "I don't think they're listening to us on welfare reform at all", one MP said. "The government just aren't taking the size of this rebellion seriously", said another. "The free school meals and winter fuel allowance announcement and signals on the two child benefit cap are great, but not cutting it when it comes to the welfare changes." Cat Eccles, Labour MP for Stourbridge said she was "disappointed" by Kendall's response to the letter from Debbie Abrahams, accusing her of a "tunnel-vision approach of rushing forward" to get the plans signed off by parliament by November. "Many are rightfully concerned that ignoring this will push some of our most vulnerable in society into unnecessary poverty and hardship. "The response from the Secretary of State appears to ignore this evidence-based advice entirely, focusing rather on a tunnel-vision approach of rushing forward to gain Royal Assent by November this year, so these reforms can be implemented for 2026/27." She called on Kendall to "reconsider" her response, insisting: "Our welfare system must be a safety net to catch and support those who need it. "Do not pursue reckless changes that result in the holes of that net widening, with more of our most vulnerable falling through." There are reports up to 170 Labour MPs have raised concerns about the cuts with the government. ITV News understands that includes some senior backbenchers who work as Parliamentary Private Secretaries (PPS) to ministers, and even one junior minister. The legislation needed to bring in the changes is due to be introduced to Parliament on Monday 16th June, with a vote expected in the week of the 30th June. It's unclear exactly how many MPs will vote against the plans, but it's likely to be the biggest rebellion of Starmer's premiership. The government's own impact assessment on the reforms estimates that that in 2029-30,
Sky News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Work and pensions secretary tells MPs controversial disability benefit reforms will go ahead next year
The government has told MPs it will not back down from its controversial reforms to disability benefits, which are set to be introduced to parliament later this month. More than 100 Labour MPs are thought to have concerns about the plans to cut nearly £5bn from the welfare bill by restricting personal independence payments (PIP) and the health top-up to Universal Credit. Charities say the changes will have a "catastrophic" effect on vulnerable people. 3:06 The chair of the Commons' Work and Pensions Committee wrote to the secretary of state, Liz Kendall, last month, calling on the government to delay the changes until a full assessment is carried out of the impact on employment, poverty and health. Labour MP Debbie Abrahams wrote that while there was a case for reform to disability benefits, "the evidence indicated [these changes] might not improve outcomes for most claimants, but instead push many into poverty and further away from the labour market". But Ms Kendall has written back, in a letter made public on Wednesday, to reject the idea because the bill needs final approval from parliament in November in order for the changes to take effect in 2026. She wrote: "We need urgent action to help people who can work, into work. With one in eight young people now not in education, employment or training and nearly 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness, and spending on health and disability benefits set to rise by an additional £18bn, we must change course. "We have consistently been clear that we are not consulting on every proposal. "Instead, parliament will have the opportunity to fully debate, propose amendments to, and vote on areas where we have announced urgent reforms that are not subject to consultation. "With PIP caseload and costs forecast to continue rising, reforms are needed now to make the system sustainable, while supporting those people with the greatest needs." 3:38 What is the government's plan? The government says the PIP caseload has more than doubled from 15,000 new claims per month in 2019 to 34,000. PIP is a benefit to help disabled people with the increased costs of day-to-day living. It is proposed that claimants will need to achieve four points out of eight in their assessment to qualify for the benefit, and the government says some 370,000 existing claimants will lose out when reassessed. Ms Kendall says the growth in claims means the PIP caseload will still increase by the end of the parliament. The government will also tackle what Ms Kendall called the "perverse incentive" to claim the health top-up for Universal Credit by freezing it at £97 a week for existing claimants, and slashing the rate to £50 a week for new claimants. The average loss of benefits will be £1,700 a year for some three million people. Claimants with the most serious conditions, who have been assessed as never able to work, will not be subject to reassessment, ministers say, allowing them to have peace of mind. The government will provide £1bn for targeted support schemes to help disabled people into work. But it's estimated these will help only some 70,000 people find employment. 1:23 Ms Kendall said a minister in her department is engaging with disabled people and organisations about the PIP assessment process, but said: "The PIP assessment review will rightly take time and require extensive engagement, and we cannot wait for its conclusion to make the urgently needed changes to the PIP eligibility criteria." 'Deeply disappointing news' The first minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, who is gearing up for elections next year, told Sky News she had spoken to Ms Kendall about her concerns last week. She said: "This is going to be really challenging for a lot of people in Wales. We know more people in Wales will be affected by PIP than in any other part of the country. "We do think there needs to be reform of welfare because we believe people can work should work, but in Wales we have examples of where we hold people's hands, stand by them, we help them into work, and we think that's more of a productive approach." Labour MP Richard Burgon, who has vowed to vote against the reforms, said: "This will be deeply disappointing news for all the MPs who've been urging the government to delay this decision. Instead of allowing time for proper scrutiny and meaningful dialogue with disabled people, the government has brushed aside MPs' genuine concerns.
