PIP cuts will push families further into poverty, research finds

The Herald Scotland

a day ago

Under the plans a new eligibility requirement will be introduced which will mean only those who score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity will be eligible for the daily living component.
Claimants are assessed on categories such as preparing food, washing and bathing and toilet needs.
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For example, someone who is unable to cook a simple meal but can use a microwave would get two points, an individual who needs supervision or assistance to prepare or cook a simple meal would be given a score of four, and someone entirely unable to prepare and cook food would get eight.
The government estimates up to 1.3 million people across England and Wales could lose at least some support under the changes.
In Scotland the PIP and carers allowance are devolved, but finance secretary Shona Robison MSP has warned people north of the border will also be affected because the money comes from block grant funding, meaning a cut in UK spending on the benefit will reduce Holyrood's budget for it.
New research by University of Glasgow professor Morag Treanor, on behalf of Aberlour children's charity, One Parent Family Scotland and the Trussell Trust found the proposed reforms risk further disadvantaging households with a disabled child, and in particular lone parent families.
(Image: Getty/Derek McArthur) Low-income families receiving social security often have to pay significant amounts back due to things like universal credit advances, DWP loans and arrears for school meals.
The research found 53% of people with a disability had public debt or arrears, while 58% of lone parents with one or more disabled children did. 55% of children with a disability are in a lone parent family.
While 8% of lone parent families made at least one food bank request from 2022 to 2025, that rose to 17% for a lone parent with one or more disabled child and 18% for couples with one or more disabled child.
Those with a disability and children are most likely (19%) to seek or receive a referral to a food bank.
Charities have warned that cutting PIP is only likely to push such households further into poverty.
Aberlour Chief Executive, SallyAnn Kelly, said: "At Aberlour we believe reforming our welfare system is necessary especially if it helps people who are able to work get into employment. However, we are clear that reforms should always protect the most vulnerable and should be implemented in a manner that does not push more people into further and more entrenched poverty.
"This research suggests that this is exactly what could happen. We are urging the Government to think again and prevent this very harmful outcome by making changes that safeguard the most vulnerable families. Our research and work into public debt has outlined the struggles facing families and how the cost of living crisis is leading to millions of people lacking the means to pay for their basic needs and seeing them spiralling into debt, often to public bodies, as a consequence.
"If these reforms are introduced in their current shape this research strongly suggests that many of our most disadvantaged families will be pushed even deeper into debt. This must be avoided and we would urge the government to listen to what families are saying and make the necessary changes to their proposals - changes that will protect and safeguard families, provide additional support and avoid potentially catastrophic outcomes for millions of the most vulnerable people and their children."
Cara Hilton, senior policy manager for Scotland at Trussell, said: "The UK government's plans to slash support for disabled people who most need our collective protection from hunger is cruel and irresponsible. This research clearly shows that the right support can help prevent disabled families from falling into hardship. Cutting it is ill-considered and will leave more disabled people at risk of needing a food bank.
'One of the key findings of this research is that people in disabled households are twice as likely to be referred to a food bank than people in households without a disability. If the government chooses to go ahead with cuts, these figures will only get worse. Trussell's own analysis finds that 15,000 more people in disabled households in Scotland will be at risk of needing to use a food bank. But there is still time for the UK government to rethink and do what's right.'
Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland said: 'Many single parents, the majority of whom are mothers, are raising children alone and often without respite. When disability is also part of the equation, whether a child's or their own, the pressures multiply. This report clearly shows that these families are at significantly higher risk of accruing public debts, including council tax, benefits overpayments and energy arrears.
'At OPFS, we regularly hear from parents forced to rely on credit cards to cover basic needs like food and heating. Debt is not a result of poor budgeting, it is a direct consequence of inadequate income and rigid, punitive welfare policies.
'With the UK Government poised to introduce cuts to disability benefits, this report is a timely reminder that welfare reform must work to support, not penalise, families. We urgently need reforms that stop pulling vulnerable families under: a just approach to debt recovery, an end to harmful Universal Credit changes, and a commitment to policies that give families the stability and dignity they deserve.'
A Government spokesperson said: "We are determined to create a welfare system that supports people into work and out of poverty - backed by £1 billion to help sick or disabled people find good, secure jobs.
'We will never compromise on protecting people who need our support. Claims for disability benefits are rising much faster than the number of disabled people in our country and our reforms will put the social security system on a more sustainable footing to ensure it will always be there for those who will never be able to work."