Latest news with #StephenTimms
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Kendall defends welfare reform plan after Government forced to ditch key parts
The Work and Pensions Secretary acknowledged it had been a 'bumpy ride' but the review into the personal independence payment (Pip) would now be able to take a proper look at the system in conjunction with disabled people. Ms Kendall insisted the reforms had not been motivated by the Treasury's desire to cut spending but were driven by a desire to end a situation where people became dependent on benefits rather than working. The Universal Credit Bill cleared the Commons after elements to restrict eligibility to Pip were scrapped, with any changes postponed until after a review led by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms. Ms Kendall said: 'I know, always, how anxious people are when they hear about proposed changes in the benefits system. 'I think we've ended up in the right place now and I think we have a really positive story going forward about how we will work with disabled people, the organisations that represent them and other experts to make sure we get a system that's fit for the future.' She denied the proposals were motivated by the almost £5 billion they were due to save. Ms Kendall said: 'I've never started with pound signs or spreadsheets. I've always started with what I believe can help people with long-term health conditions and disabled people build a better life for themselves and our reforms are based on helping those who can work to do so, instead of writing them off and then denying them any support.' She told MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee her department 'ends up picking up the pieces of the problems that are deep-rooted from many other government areas'. She said: 'Poor health, poor opportunities, low skills, not enough jobs – those are the problems we have to tackle together.' Her department was 'at the sharp end of it' and after 'admittedly, a bumpy ride over the welfare legislation' the Government has to 'start shifting resources into the things that really help create better lives for people'. 'We are spending, I believe, too much on the costs of failure and not enough on the better health, better jobs, better skills that we need,' she said. 'That is extremely difficult to shift, because people rely on those benefits, and they've built their lives around them.' But, she added: 'Benefits alone is not the solution to a better life.'
Western Telegraph
5 days ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Kendall defends welfare reform plan after Government forced to ditch key parts
The Work and Pensions Secretary acknowledged it had been a 'bumpy ride' but the review into the personal independence payment (Pip) would now be able to take a proper look at the system in conjunction with disabled people. Ms Kendall insisted the reforms had not been motivated by the Treasury's desire to cut spending but were driven by a desire to end a situation where people became dependent on benefits rather than working. The Universal Credit Bill cleared the Commons after elements to restrict eligibility to Pip were scrapped, with any changes postponed until after a review led by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms. We are spending, I believe, too much on the costs of failure and not enough on the better health, better jobs, better skills that we need Liz Kendall Ms Kendall said: 'I know, always, how anxious people are when they hear about proposed changes in the benefits system. 'I think we've ended up in the right place now and I think we have a really positive story going forward about how we will work with disabled people, the organisations that represent them and other experts to make sure we get a system that's fit for the future.' She denied the proposals were motivated by the almost £5 billion they were due to save. Ms Kendall said: 'I've never started with pound signs or spreadsheets. I've always started with what I believe can help people with long-term health conditions and disabled people build a better life for themselves and our reforms are based on helping those who can work to do so, instead of writing them off and then denying them any support.' She told MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee her department 'ends up picking up the pieces of the problems that are deep-rooted from many other government areas'. She said: 'Poor health, poor opportunities, low skills, not enough jobs – those are the problems we have to tackle together.' Her department was 'at the sharp end of it' and after 'admittedly, a bumpy ride over the welfare legislation' the Government has to 'start shifting resources into the things that really help create better lives for people'. 'We are spending, I believe, too much on the costs of failure and not enough on the better health, better jobs, better skills that we need,' she said. 'That is extremely difficult to shift, because people rely on those benefits, and they've built their lives around them.' But, she added: 'Benefits alone is not the solution to a better life.'
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP makes major Universal Credit change with UK households given £725 boost
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that the Universal Credit standard allowance will permanently rise above inflation, amounting to £725 by 2029/30 in cash terms for a single person aged 25 or over The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a £725 cash boost for individuals on Universal Credit as part of an annual income uplift. By 2029/30, the Universal Credit standard allowance for a single person aged 25 or over will permanently increase above inflation, equating to an extra £725 in cash terms. Labour MP and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our reforms are built on the principle of fairness, fixing a system that for too long has left people trapped in a cycle of dependence. We are giving extra support to millions of households across the country, while offering disabled people the chance to work without fear of the repercussions if things don't work out." She believes: "These reforms will change the lives of people across the country, so they have a real chance for a better future." Birmingham Live reports that the DWP said: "We are also putting disabled people at the heart of a ministerial review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment led by Disability Minister Stephen Timms and co-produced with disabled people, along with the organisations that represent them, experts, MPs and other stakeholders – making sure it is fair and fit for the future." Detailing the consultation process, the DWP added: "We will be engaging widely over the summer to design the process for the review and consider how it can best be co-produced to ensure that expertise from a range of different perspectives is drawn upon. "These reforms are underpinned by a major investment in employment support for sick and disabled people - worth £3.8 billion over the Parliament. "Funding will be brought forward for tailored employment, health and skills support to help disabled people and those with health conditions get into work as part of our Pathways to Work guarantee. "This investment will accelerate the pace of new investments in employment support programmes, building on and learning from successes such as the Connect to Work programme, which are already rolling out to provide disabled people and people with health conditions with one-to-one support at the point when they feel ready to work."
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
New proposals to cut PIP and disability benefits ahead of full review
The Centre for Social Justice has called for emergency measures to be brought in to reduce the number of people currently on the benefit New plans to slash Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have been put forward, aligning with a forthcoming Government review of the benefit. Currently, Labour has paused any steps regarding PIP within its welfare overhaul due to a backlash from MPs and activists for disability rights. Originally, there was a move to impose a four-point rule to tighten PIP accessibility. This would've meant claimants needing at least one tally of four points in assessed daily living activities to qualify. However, modifications to PIP are now set to follow only after Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, conducts a thorough examination. READ MORE: 'I'm a beauty writer - the new ghd curling wand gave me perfect waves in 15 mins' Slated for completion by Autumn 2026, the 'Timms Review' vows to be "co-produced with disabled people, along with the organisations that represent them, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard." The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), a centre-right think tank, is urging for an expedited review and argues for a significant reform of PIP to "redirect funding from long-term cash payments." In the updated 'Change the Prescription' report, the CSJ outlines several proposals concerning eligibility for PIP and the health component of Universal Credit, reports Birmingham Live. Amongst their suggestions is the ceasing of PIP and Universal Credit health benefits for individuals experiencing slighter forms of anxiety, depression, and ADHD - a change that could impact over a million beneficiaries, including those currently receiving standard-rate PIP for such conditions. For those who continue to be eligible due to receiving the enhanced rate of PIP, their payments would be cut by roughly £80 a week to match the standard rate. The report estimates this would save £7.4 billion annually by 2029/2030 and suggests that £1 billion of this could be reinvested in frontline mental health services such as NHS Talking Therapies, local support groups, work coaches and community interventions. The think tank suggests that limiting eligibility for PIP and the UC health element to the most severe cases of anxiety, depression and ADHD would save approximately £8.8 billion. Joe Shalam, policy director at the CSJ, said: "Liz Kendall deserves credit for tackling the perverse incentives that have crept into the welfare system since Covid. "People who cannot work due to sickness or disability must always be protected, but as our research shows, too many people are trapped in a cycle of dependency and wasted potential. "By tightening eligibility for mental health benefits and investing in therapy and employment support, ministers can save public money and transform lives. The Timms Review must be brought forward to Autumn, there is no time to lose." Labour's welfare reforms bill was supported by MPs only after a £5 billion reduction to PIP was dropped. However, the CSJ argues that the rising number of PIP claims are contributing to a significant gap between welfare and work that needs immediate attention. The report suggests that a person who is economically inactive and on Universal Credit, including the average housing element to cover their rent, and also receiving PIP, would have a taxpayer-funded Government income of around £25,000 - this increases to £27,500 for those awarded the highest rate of PIP. However, this amount drops to £22,550 once the welfare bill's cut to the Universal Credit health element for new claimants is considered. In contrast, a full-time worker earning the National Living Wage (NLW) is projected to make £22,500 after paying income tax and National Insurance, creating a £2,500 disparity between work and welfare for existing claimants. The CSJ argues that the gap widens even further when additional benefits are factored in. For instance, an unemployed single parent, claiming PIP for anxiety and disability allowance for a child with additional needs such as ADHD, would receive £36,900, which is over £14,000 more than the net wages of a full-time worker on the National Living Wage.
Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
DWP next steps for PIP assessments which will affect millions
DWP next steps for PIP assessments which will affect millions The benefit supports people who live with a long-term health condition or disability to help cover their extra costs The review will look to make sure 'PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future in a changing world', it has been said (Image: In Pictures via Getty Images ) More details have been revealed by Labour on its plans to reform personal independence payments. The benefit, most commonly known as PIP, supports people who live with a long-term health condition or disability to help cover their extra costs. Claimants often have to go through an assessment with a medical professional to determine their level of need and how much they should get. A review is being carried out by The UK Government of the assessment process to see how it could be improved, The Mirror reports. Labour MP Tom Hayes asked ministers in a written question in Parliament if this review would look at the areas of "equality" and if they will consult "employment law experts". DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms provided the following response: He said: "Through the review, we want to make sure the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future in a changing world and helps support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence. "The review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders, to ensure that a range of views and voices are heard. "I have now spoken to a range of stakeholders to gather views on how best to approach the review. Article continues below "Proposed terms of reference have been published. "I will engage widely over the summer to design the process for the work of the review, including to ensure that expertise from a range of different perspectives is drawn upon." How much is PIP? PIP includes daily living element and a mobility element, with a lower and higher rate for each part. You can get one of the parts while not getting any payment for the other. The lower rate for the daily living part is £73.90 a week while the higher rate is £110.40 a week. The mobility part is £29.20 a week at the lower rate and £77.05 a week at the higher rate. This means a person on the higher rate for both parts would get £187.45 a week, or £9,747.40 a year. Article continues below The Government had set out plans to tighten the eligibility criteria for PIP, with the criteria to come in from next year. But after huge opposition from Labour MPs and others, the Government said it will not bring in any changes to PIP until the review of PIP has been concluded.
