Gill German: Why MP voted for the Government welfare bill
This came after the government offered rebel Labour MPs last-minute concessions, including announcing no change to PIP rules until it had time to consider a review's conclusions.
Gill German MP was one of the 335 MPs who voted in favour of the bill, arguing that the move will help up to 3.9 million families across the UK.
Ms German said the bill will help move welfare "toward a fairer system" and allow the government to "work more closely with disabled people".
She added that the bill was "one of the biggest boosts to basic support in decades" and thanked constituents for expressing concern which was "real and must be taken seriously".
Ms German said: "The Universal Credit and PIP Bill will raise the Universal Credit allowance to £775 by 2029/30, which will help 3.9 million families.
"This above-inflation increase is one of the biggest boosts to basic support in decades and marks an important step towards ensuring families can afford essentials without relying on food banks or charities.
"The Bill also ends the need for reassessment for Personal Independence Payments for those with severe, lifelong conditions and protects existing PIP claimants from any future eligibility changes.
"Eligibility changes for new PIP claimants will now be considered at a later date after the PIP review, also known as the Timms Review, concludes in 2026.
"Many in Clwyd North have shared their concerns with me about what changes to PIP eligibility might mean and I thank everyone who has shared their story. That concern is real and must be taken seriously.
"I welcome the government's commitment to protect existing claimants, accelerate the review of PIP assessments, and working more closely with disabled people.
"Alongside measures like the 'Right to Try' work without risking current entitlements, and greater investment in health and employment pathways, I believe we can move toward a fairer system, and it is for this reason that I support this Bill."
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill had initially been proposed to potentially save up to £5billion - this now faces delay or loss entirely after amendments were made.
The bill is now in the committee stage, and will have a third reading in Parliament which, if approved, will mean it will then be presented to the House of Lords.
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