More than 100 Labour MPs have reportedly threatened to defy measures regarding proposed cuts and alterations to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP), as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calls for a “reformed” system. The government is set to introduce new legislation to Parliament this week with the expectation of an impending vote.
Officials are pushing forward plans to slash about £5 billion annually from the UK’s welfare bill, with most reductions targeting access to PIP – igniting worry among campaigners, charities, and some MPs, as reported by the Mirror.
PIP serves individuals below state pension age requiring assistance with day-to-day activities due to chronic illness or disability, and it can be claimed by those who are employed.
A recent government impact analysis linked to the reforms has set off alarm bells, hinting that the proposed amendments might push upwards of 250,000 people, including 50,000 children across England, Scotland, and Wales, below the poverty line after accounting for housing expenses.
Have your say! Do you share worries that the changes to benefits and PIP will cut people off from vital support? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
In Britain, approximately 3.7 million people are currently receiving PIP, a figure expected to rise to 4 million by the decade’s end. The Government insists that reforms are necessary to ensure the benefit’s sustainability for future recipients.
Potential changes to make PIP more difficult to obtain or retain could include:.
- Reintroducing reassessments for individuals on incapacity benefits who have the ability to work, ensuring they receive appropriate support and are not disregarded.
- Refocusing PIP towards those with higher needs by altering the eligibility requirement to a minimum score of four on at least one of the daily living activities to receive the daily living element of the benefit, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria.
- Adjusting payment levels in Universal Credit to enhance the Standard Allowance.
- Proposing a consultation on postponing access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone reaches 22 years old, and redirecting savings into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee.
Other suggested modifications include:.
- The proposal includes ending reassessments for disabled individuals who will never be able to work and those with lifelong conditions, ensuring they can live with dignity and security.
- It also suggests scrapping the Work Capability Assessment to end a process that drives people into dependency, delivering on the Government’s manifesto commitment to reform or replace it.
- Additionally, it proposes providing improved employment support backed by £1 billion, including new tailored support conversations for people on health and disability benefits to break down barriers and unlock work.
- The plan also includes legislating to protect those on health and disability benefits from reassessment or losing their payments if they take a chance on work.
Have your say! Do you share worries that the changes to benefits and PIP will cut people off from vital support? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.