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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Why are you ignoring disabled people?' Blind MP tears into Liz Kendall over benefits cuts
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall was accused by a fellow MP of "ignoring disabled people" during an emotional committee meeting. She was blasted by Liberal Democrat Steve Darling in front of the Work and Pensions Committee for her role in the publication of the controversial Welfare Bill in March. Darling, who is registered blind, said the government had failed to consult disabled people on planned Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit benefit cuts. Kendall's planned cuts to PIP, the main disability benefit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, were shelved after a Labour revolt earlier this month. The bill was eventually passed but was subjected to chaotic last-minute changes as it became clear that rebel Labour MPs were in with a chance of defeating the legislation. On Wednesday (16 July), Darling repeatedly accused Kendall of "ignoring disabled people" ahead of the planned benefit cuts. He began by asking Kendall why she had promised "genuine engagement" and stated she affirmed that any reforms would not be led by cuts. He then referenced the green paper, published in March, which he said amounted to the "highest level of cuts" in a decade, adding: "What went wrong?" Kendall replied: "Forgive me for not agreeing with the characterisation that you put forward. I have 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 without any support." Kendall said the government needs to "make sure this absolutely crucial benefit remains sustainable for the future". Darling then asked Kendall to explain why she "chose not to consult on that element of change you were pushing forward in March". The DWP minister replied, saying they had consulted disabled people on "many aspects" and had consulted five collaboration committees. He then repeatedly asked why she "ignored disabled people". Kendall said: "We are not ignoring disabled people. They will be at the heart of the Timms review." The pair also clashed over the publishing of a child poverty strategy, which Kendall said would be published in the autumn. What were the controversial changes and what happens next? Initially, the government attempted to make significant changes to the benefits system to save an estimated £4.8bn. The overhaul faced opposition from Labour backbenchers after the green paper was unveiled in March, which included stricter eligibility criteria for PIP, as well as a freeze on the health-related component of Universal Credit. Kendall argued that the changes were necessary to maintain the long-term sustainability of the welfare system and that the current system disincentives work and does not offer adequate support to move into work. The changes included a major change in the PIP point-based assessment system. Rather than scoring eight points in various activities, an applicant would have to score four points or more in a single activity during their assessment to qualify for the benefit until the review is complete. MPs voiced concerns that the changes could lead to increased poverty among vulnerable groups, and over 120 ministers signalled their intent to oppose the bill in the weeks before the vote. In a U-turn, ministers said the new, stricter PIP rules would only apply to new claimants from November 2026 onwards. The government also reversed its decision to freeze the higher rate of Universal Credit for existing claimants with health conditions, though reduced payments will still apply to new applicants. Rachael Maskell, who was a Labour MP at the time but has since been suspended by the parliamentary party, described the cuts as "Dickensian", and said it was clear the bill would not pass in its current state. As the vote approached, a further announcement by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms confirmed no changes to PIP would be implemented until a full review has been completed. The government eventually won by 335 votes to 260, with 47 Labour MPs voting against the bill, after making the trio of concessions. Ms Kendall said on Wednesday that the government will have a "long-term look at PIP in the review. The Timms review into PIP assessments aims to conclude in autumn 2026 and will be co-produced with disabled people and the organisations that represent them.
Metro
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Metro
Which three Labour MPs have been suspended and why?
The Prime Minister has suspended three MPs from the Labour Party. The move comes after a vote in Parliament over the planned – and controversial – welfare reforms earlier this month. Sir Keir's welfare bill passed by 335 votes to 260 after last-minute changes to the proposal to have it approved after uproar over the plans to cut Universal Credit and Pip payments. Despite the changes, some MPs rebelled in the final vote, and they have now been suspended. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Craig Munro breaks down Westminster chaos into easy to follow insight, walking you through what the latest policies mean to you. Sent every Wednesday. Sign up here. The Labour leader has reportedly suspended three first-year MPs – Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman and Chris Hinchliff. Mr Duncan-Jordan and Ms Leishman confirmed the suspension. Mr Hinchliff's suspension was first reported by The Times. The suspension means the trio have 'lost the whip' after they voted against the government's planned welfare reforms on July 1. MPs who belong to a party are expected to vote in Parliament as the party leadership desires. The MPs are now expelled from the Labour Party as disciplinary action. However, expelled politicians can continue as MPs, but they no longer have to follow the party line during voting. Mr Duncan-Jordan, an MP for Poole, said after the news emerged: 'Since being elected, I have consistently spoken up for my constituents on a range of issues, including most recently on cuts to disability benefits. 'I understood this could come at a cost, but I couldn't support making disabled people poorer. More Trending 'Although I've been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party today, I've been part of the Labour and trade union movement for 40 years and remain as committed as ever to its values.' Meanwhile, Mr Leishman, who represents Alloa and Grangemouth, said: 'I wish to remain a Labour MP and deliver the positive change many voters are craving. 'I have voted against the Government on issues because I want to effectively represent and be the voice for communities across Alloa and Grangemouth. 'I firmly believe that it is not my duty as an MP to make people poorer, especially those that have suffered because of austerity and its dire consequences.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: How to save 'broken' Britain? Readers discuss patriotic millionaires and propose plutocracy MORE: Here's what to expect from Donald Trump's second UK state visit in September MORE: Three in five Brits 'wouldn't even trust Starmer or Farage to watch their bag'
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Households can apply for £500 cost of living cash boost NOW ahead of summer holidays
Plus, we reveal other councils handing out support CLAIM IT Households can apply for £500 cost of living cash boost NOW ahead of summer holidays Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THOUSANDS of households can still apply for £500 worth of free cost of living cash ahead of the summer holidays. Cash-strapped families can get support via the government's Household Support Fund. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Families can apply for support through the government's household support Credit: Alamy The scheme has been extended multiple times, with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million, which they can dole out to residents in need. Eligibility criteria varies, but help is usually offered to those on benefits or a low income. Residents in Worcestershire can apply for support worth up to £500 to help with water and energy costs. How much you receive depends on factors such as your age and if you live in a household with children. For example, households with just adults aged between 18-66 can receive up to £300 in support. This is also the case for households with one adult or a couple of pensionable age. But homes with children aged under the age of 18, or young adults up to the age of 21 in full time education, can receive up to £500. To be eligible for the support you must have an income before tax of £24,570 if you are a single adult. All other households must have a yearly income of £31,000. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now You must also have no savings, unless you are of state pension age - in which case you can have up to £5,000. You can be on Universal Credit but at least one person in your household must meet one of the following: Be of state pension age Have a long-term diagnosed health condition or be registered disabled Have a child under four Be in receipt of DWP benefits like Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, PIP or Disability Living Allowance Be receiving support from services such as food banks, Citizens Advice, Age UK, mental health or housing support, or your GP's social prescribing team If you are keen to apply visit What if I don't live in Worcestershire? The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. So, if you don't live in this area but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help. This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable. What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. For example, households in Ealing Council can apply for support worth £180. Elsewhere, Doncaster residents can still apply for £300 worth of support to be paid this winter. Households in Redcar & Cleveland can also now apply for support worth up to £230.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Households can apply for £500 cost of living cash boost NOW ahead of summer holidays
THOUSANDS of households can still apply for £500 worth of free cost of living cash ahead of the summer holidays. Cash-strapped families can get support via the government's Household Support Fund. 1 The scheme has been extended multiple times, with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million, which they can dole out to residents in need. Eligibility criteria varies, but help is usually offered to those on benefits or a low income. Residents in Worcestershire can apply for support worth up to £500 to help with water and energy costs. How much you receive depends on factors such as your age and if you live in a household with children. For example, households with just adults aged between 18-66 can receive up to £300 in support. This is also the case for households with one adult or a couple of pensionable age. But homes with children aged under the age of 18, or young adults up to the age of 21 in full time education, can receive up to £500. To be eligible for the support you must have an income before tax of £24,570 if you are a single adult. All other households must have a yearly income of £31,000. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now You must also have no savings, unless you are of state pension age - in which case you can have up to £5,000. You can be on Universal Credit but at least one person in your household must meet one of the following: Be of state pension age Have a long-term diagnosed health condition or be registered disabled Have a child under four Be in receipt of DWP benefits like Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, PIP or Disability Living Allowance Be receiving support from services such as food banks, Citizens Advice, Age UK, mental health or housing support, or your GP's social prescribing team If you are keen to apply visit What if I don't live in Worcestershire? The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. So, if you don't live in this area but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help. This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable. What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. For example, households in Ealing Council can apply for support worth £180. Elsewhere, Doncaster residents can still apply for £300 worth of support to be paid this winter. Households in Redcar & Cleveland can also now apply for support worth up to £230. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. The current round runs until the end of March 2026.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DWP boss Liz Kendall under fire for 'ignoring' disabled people over PIP cuts
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) boss Liz Kendall has been blasted for failing to consult disabled people on planned Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit benefit cuts. Liberal Democrats MP Steve Darling slammed DWP minister Ms Kendall, asking: "What went wrong?" Ms Kendall replied: "Forgive me for not agreeing with the characterisation that you put forward. I have 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." Mr Darling asked twice: "Why did you ignore disabled people?" READ MORE: DWP breaks silence on how welfare bill will impact Blue Badge holders READ MORE: New sicknote rules in England with GPs less likely to sign people off READ MORE ISA change announced by Rachel Reeves handing savers extra £9,000 The DWP minister replied: 'We are not ignoring disabled people. They will be at the heart of the Timms review." She said: "This department ends up picking up the pieces of the problems that are deep rooted from many other government areas and we've got to change that. "Poor health, poor opportunities, low skills, not enough jobs. Those are the problems we have to tackle together. We are at the sharp end of it." She added: "We have 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. That is extremely difficult to shift because people rely on those benefits and they've built their lives around them. "But unless we grapple with this, benefits alone is not the solution to a better life." She said: I think action speaks louder than words, we have taken action to tackle child poverty." Mr Darling asked: "Can you explain why you haven't published the child poverty strategy so far?" He said: "You are very well avoiding it. Why haven't you published the child poverty strategy?" Ms Kendall replied: "We want to get this right, we understand there will be funding implications and we think its really important that we spell out a comprehensive strategy. But we have not had slippage on tackling child poverty, we're putting that into action."
