Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is proposing significant amendments to the government’s welfare reform plans to alleviate concerns from Labour MPs who may oppose upcoming legislation. The proposed changes come ahead of a crucial vote on a package that could cut benefits by £5 billion annually by 2030.
Details of the Reforms
Kendall aims to mitigate the impact of the planned cuts, particularly concerning the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which will become more difficult for individuals with less severe disabilities to claim. Reports indicate that individuals who lose their PIP will now receive a transitional support period of 13 weeks—up from the typical four weeks—before their payments cease.
Additionally, the Carer’s Allowance will remain available during this transitional period, but will terminate once the PIP is removed. Conversely, individuals with the most severe health conditions will not undergo reassessments and will continue to receive additional income support through Universal Credit.
As part of the welfare reform bill, a new initiative will enable disabled individuals to explore employment opportunities without the risk of losing their benefits. These adjustments were characterized by Kendall as “non-negotiable” protections, emphasizing her commitment to include them in the legislation expected to be published next week.
Kendall stated in an interview with the Guardian, “When we set out our reforms, we promised to protect those most in need, particularly those who can never work. I have seen personally the importance of this issue in my role as a constituency MP.”
Growing Concern Among Labour MPs
Despite these amendments, numerous Labour MPs have expressed deep concerns regarding the implications of the welfare cuts. Reports reveal that dozens are prepared to vote against the core legislation essential for implementing the proposed welfare revisions. The government’s own impact assessment warns that the overall welfare package could push an additional 250,000 individuals, including 50,000 children, into relative poverty.
Neil Duncan-Jordan, one of the dissenting MPs, described the reforms as “impossible to support” without substantive changes. Reflecting on the transitional measures, he remarked, “Poverty delayed is still poverty.” Fellow Labour MP Ian Byrne criticized the notion that disabled individuals would no longer require assistance after a 14-week timeline, branding it an “absolute nonsense.”
Rachael Maskell echoed these sentiments, arguing that Kendall’s plan merely reiterates previous proposals, lacking any real change in the material impact on those affected.
Official Response from the Government
The Labour party’s discontent is heightened in light of the government’s recent decision to uphold cuts to winter fuel payments. Chancellor Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the administration’s position, stating, “We’re not going to be changing that. It is important that we reform the way the welfare state works.”
The Department for Work and Pensions projects that 3.2 million families—comprising current and prospective recipients—will suffer financial losses due to the welfare reform measures, averaging £1,720 annually. This includes 370,000 current PIP recipients who will lose their eligibility and 430,000 future claimants who will receive diminished benefits.
Despite these projections, government officials argue that the figures do not reflect the planned £1 billion investment intended to assist the long-term sick and disabled in reentering the workforce. The administration hopes that these measures will encourage employment among benefits recipients, especially in light of 2.8 million people currently classified as economically inactive due to long-term health issues.
La Recherche Avance
The government anticipates implementing the welfare reforms by November 2026, ensuring that no benefits will be lost until such time. However, as dissent within the Labour party continues to mount, the future of the proposed legislation remains uncertain, with potential implications for the government’s broader welfare strategy.
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