DWP update on PIP and Universal Credit reforms amid backlash over plans
DWP update on PIP and Universal Credit reforms amid backlash over plans
The UK Government is pressing ahead with its plans to cut benefits, but additional protections are set to be added to the Welfare Reform Bill
Liz Kendall has assured there will be "additional protections" within the Welfare Reform Bill that is expected to cut benefits
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images )
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall will be including "non-negotiable" safeguards within the Welfare Reform Bill following opposition to proposed cuts in benefits. These changes, which are part of an initiative aimed at reducing the number of working-age individuals receiving sickness benefits, are anticipated to cut costs by approximately £5 billion annually by 2030.
The alterations involve stricter criteria for eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and a reduction in the sickness-related component of Universal Credit.
Last month, a contingent of Labour MPs urged the Prime Minister to halt and re-examine the forthcoming Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) cuts, describing them as "impossible to support".
However, Kendall reassured The Guardian that when the Bill is presented next week, it will include added measures to safeguard the most vulnerable, reports the Daily Record. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
Kendall said: "When we set out our reforms we promised to protect those most in need, particularly those who can never work.
"I know from my 15 years as a constituency MP how important this is. It is something I take seriously and will never compromise on."
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She added: "That is why we are putting additional protections on the face of the Bill to support the most vulnerable and help people affected by the changes.
"These protections will be written into law, a clear sign they are non-negotiable."
An official Government assessment released with the reforms has cautioned that about 250,000 individuals, including 50,000 children from England, Scotland, and Wales, may slip into relative poverty after housing expenses due to the forthcoming changes.
In discussions earlier this week, the DWP head informed MPs of her determination to proceed with the planned welfare reductions.
In reply to a letter penned by the Work and Pensions Committee, which implored her to hold back the changes, Ms Kendall stated: "we will not avoid or delay the decisive action needed to transform the system."
The cross-party group of MPs on the committee had advocated for a deferral in the application of the reforms pending a comprehensive impact study.
Yet, Ms Kendall has asserted that there shall be no postponement, as parliamentary consent must be finalised by November this year in order for the changes to take effect from 2026.
At present, approximately 3.7 million people throughout Great Britain receive PIP, and the UK Government anticipates this number could swell to 4 million by the decade's close.
To ensure PIP remains viable for the years ahead, the Government is mulling a set of new strategies.
Proposed reforms to enhance PIP, coupled with an online consultation process, include:
Ending reassessments for disabled people who will never be able to work and people with lifelong conditions to ensure they can live with dignity and security.
Scrapping the Work Capability Assessment to end the process that drives people into dependency, delivering on the UK Government's manifesto commitment to reform or replace it.
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.
Legislating to protect those on health and disability benefits from reassessment or losing their payments if they take a chance on work.
To guarantee the continuity of the welfare system for those in dire need currently and for the foreseeable future, UK Government has decided to adopt measures that will bolster its longevity and safeguard those most in need.
These measures encompass:
Reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and are not written off.
Targeting PIP for those with higher needs by changing 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.
Rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit to improve the Standard Allowance.
Consulting on delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone is aged 22 and reinvesting savings into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee.
The DWP has also initiated an online consultation in tandem with the release of the Green paper.
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This consultation is open to all and will run until June 30, 2025 - comprehensive details can be found on GOV.UK here.
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