Plans to cut personal independence payments (PIP) may be scrapped following opposition within the Labour Party and warnings from disability rights groups.
Ministers are reconsidering proposed reforms after a tense cabinet meeting and growing concerns over the impact on vulnerable individuals.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had been expected to introduce changes that could significantly reduce financial support for disabled people.
However, pushback from Labour MPs and charities has forced the government to rethink its strategy. According to The Guardian, Downing Street has not denied reports of a U-turn.
Internal Dissent and Growing Pressure
Labour’s initial proposal to reform disability benefits was met with fierce criticism from within the party. According to reports, some MPs were “shocked” by the potential scale of cuts, which could have totalled up to £5 billion. The backlash has prompted ministers to reconsider their approach.
Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, acknowledged concerns about the impact on those unable to work due to severe health conditions. Speaking to The Observer, she said:
“Protecting people in genuine need is a principle Labour will never compromise on.”
At the same time, Kendall defended the need for reform, arguing that the current system does not always provide the right incentives for employment. She stated that being “trapped on benefits” was damaging for individuals and costly for the economy.
The government has pointed to a sharp rise in disability-related spending, which has increased by £20 billion since the pandemic. Despite these arguments, disability charities have warned that any cuts could push more people into financial hardship.
According to Anna Stevenson, a benefits expert at Turn2us, many recipients of PIP want to work but face structural barriers, including employer discrimination and a lack of workplace adjustments.
Concerns Over Eligibility Changes
One of the most controversial aspects of the proposed reforms is a potential tightening of PIP eligibility criteria. According to The Times, the government had been considering limiting access for individuals with certain mental health conditions or those whose disabilities require lower levels of physical support.
Disability advocacy groups argue that such measures could disproportionately affect people with invisible disabilities, such as chronic pain, autism, or severe anxiety disorders. Critics warn that the reforms could lead to an increase in appeals and legal challenges, further straining the benefits system.
Downing Street is reportedly exploring alternative solutions, including policies that would allow disabled individuals to attempt work without the immediate risk of losing benefits. However, concerns remain over how such a system would be implemented.
With Labour’s Spring Statement approaching, the government faces mounting pressure to clarify its position. While no final decision has been announced, the internal backlash suggests that plans for sweeping cuts to disability benefits may not proceed as originally intended.
