UK Government Unveils £5bn Benefit Cuts with Stricter PIP Eligibility

The UK government has announced a major welfare crackdown, aiming to cut £5 billion from disability benefits by tightening eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Speaking in the House of Commons, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the current social security system is failing the people it is meant to help and is holding the country back.

From November 2026, claimants must score at least four points in one activity to qualify for the daily living allowance component of PIP.

Currently, PIP is awarded based on a point system assessing a person's ability to carry out essential tasks such as washing, cooking, and preparing food. The standard rate applies if a person scores 8–11 points overall, while the enhanced rate applies for 12 or more points.

Kendall confirmed that PIP’s mobility component will remain unchanged.

Backlash and Political Opposition

The Labour government’s proposal has sparked outrage among charities, unions, and some Labour MPs.

Labour MP Jon Trickett said:

“Cutting welfare payments to sick people is wrong morally, fiscally, and economically.”

Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell warned that the cuts could lead to severe suffering and loss of life, stating:

“The reality is that trying to find £5 billion in cuts by changing PIP criteria will result in immense suffering—and we’ve seen it in the past—loss of life.”

Kendall also announced a review of the PIP assessment process, which will involve consultations with disabled individuals, advocacy organisations, and experts.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will publish its final assessment of the cost savings in the spring statement next week.

As debates over welfare reform intensify, this significant policy shift is set to face strong opposition in Parliament and beyond.
Source: Sky News