Keir Starmer is pushing ahead with welfare cuts that could leave over 600,000 severely disabled people up to £675 a month worse off. Despite backlash, the government plans to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which will significantly impact people with disabilities, particularly those who don’t meet the new thresholds. As part of the overhaul, some individuals with conditions such as autism could be excluded from the support they currently receive.
The Resolution Foundation has warned that these changes could result in £5bn in cuts by 2029, concentrating a significant portion of the reductions on people in the poorest income brackets. The welfare reforms have already sparked concern from disability rights campaigners and Labour MPs, with the issue gaining significant attention, as reported by The Guardian. These proposed changes are set to be discussed in detail by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall in the coming weeks.
Impact of Proposed Welfare Changes
The proposed changes are particularly alarming for individuals who rely on PIP for essential support, especially the most severely disabled members of society. Ministers have confirmed that the eligibility criteria for PIP will be toughened, likely cutting payments for many. Some reports suggest that up to 620,000 people could lose as much as £675 a month, which would have a significant financial impact on these vulnerable individuals.
While there have been discussions about freezing or reducing benefits for those unable to work, including those most severely disabled, these cuts are seen as a potential breach of fairness, especially considering that many of the affected individuals cannot work or rely on assistance for basic living needs.
What Does This Mean for the Welfare State?
The cuts to PIP reflect a broader agenda aimed at balancing the national budget deficit, which £5bn to £6bn in savings from welfare cuts could help achieve. However, this approach risks further disadvantaging already vulnerable communities, leading some MPs to express deep concerns about the long-term effects on disabled people’s lives.
Furthermore, some fear the government’s focus on reducing the number of people receiving welfare benefits could undermine the original purpose of the welfare state, which was to provide a safety net for those in need. MPs have argued that the government should reconsider its approach to welfare reform, ensuring that disabled individuals and other vulnerable groups are not left behind in the pursuit of financial savings.
