← Back to House of Commons Debates
Welfare Reform 2025-03-18
18 March 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEconomyTaxationEmployment
Other Contributors: 71
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions raised concerns about welfare reform 2025-03-18 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
This Government are ambitious for our people and our country. We believe that unleashing the talents of the British people is the key to our future success. But the social security system we inherited from the Conservatives is failing the very people it is supposed to help, trapping millions on benefits, costing taxpayers £70 billion a year by 2029-30, and holding back economic recovery. We are investing an extra £26 billion into the NHS to drive down waiting lists and get people back to health and work, improving employment rights, creating more good jobs in clean energy, and introducing reforms to employment support with our £240 million Get Britain Working plan. Our Green Paper sets out decisive action to fix the broken benefits system, creating a proactive, pro-work system for those who can work while protecting those who cannot. We aim to secure a shift towards prevention and early intervention, help more employers offer opportunities for disabled people, and consult on merging contributory jobseeker’s allowance and employment support allowance into a new time-limited unemployment insurance paid at a higher rate without proving inability to work. We will also tackle the flawed work capability assessment by scrapping it in 2028, fix financial incentives that drive welfare dependency, legislate for rebalancing payments in universal credit from April next year with an above-inflation rise to the standard allowance, and ensure no reassessments for those with severe disabilities. We will also reform disability benefits focusing support on those in greatest need and ensuring sustainability.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Is the Minister aware that, even though some of her party’s proposals are good, they risk creating a two-tier system? What steps will she take to ensure that those who need extra support continue to receive it?
Minister reply
Our proposals aim to balance fairness and protection for those in genuine need while supporting those with fluctuating conditions. We will focus on personalised support, including tailored assessments and financial assistance where needed.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Keighley
Question
Many people are worried about the changes to work capability assessment and PIP. Can you provide reassurance that disabled people’s needs will be met without compromising their dignity?
Minister reply
We will ensure that our reforms protect the dignity of those in genuine need by focusing support on those with the greatest needs, abolishing flawed assessments like WCA, and introducing a permanent above-inflation rise to universal credit standard allowance.
Helen Whately
Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Question
The hon. Member questions the efficacy of the announcement in reducing the welfare bill and improving employment rates for those out of work due to ill health, citing previous Conservative efforts.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State responds by emphasising the need for a compassionate approach that transforms lives while ensuring long-term sustainability of the social security system. She acknowledges the substantial cut but emphasises the necessity of these measures given current financial constraints.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
The Member appreciates the measures to increase employment support and standard allowance in universal credit, though she expresses concern over balancing cuts with compassionate care for disabled individuals.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees on the importance of these reforms but requests additional time before implementing cuts. She commits to publishing an analysis of impacts, particularly concerning mental health.
Meg Hillier
Lab/Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Question
Will she explain the rationale for delaying access to the health top-up in universal credit until age 22?
Minister reply
The delay is aligned with our youth guarantee, ensuring every young person is earning or learning. We aim to prevent lifelong impacts of unemployment on health, job prospects, and earnings.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
Question
How precisely will these benefit cuts be realised given this Government’s anti-business Budget?
Minister reply
Good work and rights at work are beneficial for businesses. We are overhauling our approach to employers, focusing on better integration with local communities and providing a single account manager for all businesses.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
Question
Did the Government understand the pain this decision will cause those using food banks?
Minister reply
We know that getting people into better-paid jobs is key to their future success. Our approach focuses on mental health problems, which are prevalent among unemployed individuals.
Gosport
Question
Since Labour took office, 83,000 more people across the country of working age are now unemployed. How is this compatible with your changes?
Minister reply
We are investing an extra £26 billion into the NHS to cut waiting times and lists in the NHS, allowing people to get back to health and work.
Marie Tidball
Lab
Penistone and Stocksbridge
Question
How will you develop inclusive growth strategies across all employment sectors to close disability gaps?
Minister reply
We are working closely with disabled people and their representative organisations, as well as having disability Ministers in every Government Department.
John Milne
LD
Horsham
Question
How can the Secretary of State assume £5 billion of success before rolling out the programme?
Minister reply
We are fixing a broken system immediately, providing employment support, health support, and social care at the same time as reforming benefits.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Question
Can you assure me that disabled people across the UK will get the support they need?
Minister reply
Absolutely, we want people in Scotland to have the same chances and choices as everyone else and will work closely with the Scottish Government.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
Does she agree that attracting young people into His Majesty’s armed forces would help reduce youth unemployment?
Minister reply
I am open to discussing this with the Defence Secretary as part of our broader efforts to support employment.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
Does the Minister agree that over the past two decades, while wealthy individuals have prospered, average household incomes have stagnated, and living standards for most people have declined? Should we not also advocate for taxing wealth rather than income?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct in stating that those with significant resources should contribute more to society. Our party has already taken steps to close tax loopholes for non-doms, address energy company profits, and tackle other issues related to fairness in the tax system.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
Where in the manifesto does it state that £5 billion will be taken from disabled people?
Minister reply
I am happy to send a highlighted version of our manifesto which outlines reforms and replacements for the Work Capability Assessment, addressing Access to Work backlogs, making work pay, investing more in the NHS, improving employment rights, and creating jobs across the country.
Gill German
Lab
Clwyd North
Question
Will joint working with local support services form part of this reform to ensure a truly local, person-centred approach?
Minister reply
Yes, we will collaborate closely with voluntary and community organisations. There is no such thing as hard-to-reach groups; it's about changing our approach to better serve these individuals. This Government aims to end the false divide between those who can and cannot work by providing a pathway towards a better life.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
What is the time limit for the new unemployment insurance, and what happens if people do not meet the expectation to look for work?
Minister reply
The time limit will be determined through consultation in our Green Paper. When individuals engage with support offers, many come forward voluntarily as we shift towards a more supportive culture rather than assuming reluctance.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
How will the workplace be prepared to accommodate disabled individuals seeking employment, given that navigating reasonable adjustments can take months?
Minister reply
We are working with employers to ensure basic reasonable adjustments are made. The 'Keep Britain Working' review led by Sir Charlie Mayfield is examining this issue. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss these matters further.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
How can the Secretary of State rationalise abolishing the accumulation of points in PIP assessments, which recognises that mental health issues manifest differently?
Minister reply
Good work is beneficial for mental health. The NHS individual placement and support programme demonstrates this efficacy. I am not willing to accept a system that traps people in poverty or denies them opportunities they deserve.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Question
What guarantees can be given to those who are unable to feed or toilet themselves, and how will uncooperative employers be held accountable for providing disabled people with equal employment chances?
Minister reply
Those with severe conditions will be protected. Reassessments will be conducted by fully trained assessors or healthcare professionals based on individual needs. We will overhaul safeguarding and training for assessors, recording assessments as standard to ensure confidence in the process.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Will claimants be required to undertake socially useful work to retain their benefits?
Minister reply
No.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Question
How will the Green Paper address disincentives to work for disabled people in supported housing, who face financial penalties if they work more than 15 hours a week?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and Disability is reviewing these issues. He can discuss them with my hon. Friend if desired.
Siân Berry
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Question
Why do disabled people feel disregarded, scapegoated, and impoverished by a £5 billion cut to PIP benefits, when a wealth tax could provide alternative funding?
Minister reply
Many disabled individuals felt ignored under the previous Conservative Government. We will work closely with disabled people and their organisations on many aspects of these reforms. If the hon. Lady has specific concerns, she can write or meet me or the Minister for Social Security and Disability.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
Will the Secretary of State reassure all constituents that in making these changes, she will not be targeting those who have a terminal illness?
Minister reply
Absolutely essential for me and the Government to give this assurance. However, pensioner poverty increased under the Conservatives, leaving 880,000 pensioners without the pension credit they deserved.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Question
Will the Secretary of State ensure that before the measures are brought to the House, disabled people are consulted and involved in decision making?
Minister reply
We agree on keeping older people physically independent for as long as possible. We are investing an extra £26 billion in the NHS and will consult disabled people on employment support programme.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Question
What assurance can the Secretary of State give my constituents that her announcements today will not make an already difficult time even more difficult?
Minister reply
We are putting extra investment in place to drive down waiting lists. Two million extra appointments have been delivered seven months early, ensuring constituents get back to health and work.
Marie Rimmer
Lab
St Helens South and Whiston
Question
Will the Secretary of State say a little more about the guarantee of employment for young people, and how we will get them to accept training?
Minister reply
The youth guarantee will be rolled out from next month. Mayors and local leaders will bring together work, health and skills support locally.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Question
When the Minister talked about Labour’s plans to cut disability welfare during her campaign, was she honest with her electorate?
Minister reply
The Conservatives did not have a plan. The former Chancellor admitted that the money had already been scored.
Daniel Francis
Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Question
What more can the Secretary of State do with her colleagues in Health and Social Care to end the trap for carers of disabled people?
Minister reply
We have boosted the carer’s allowance earning threshold by £45 a week, benefiting 60,000 carers. We need to support family carers more, enabling them to balance work and caring responsibilities.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
How many individuals who require substantial assistance or supervision will no longer qualify for PIP under the new rules?
Minister reply
Every single case is assessed on individual need. We will protect those with severe disabilities who can never work.
Zubir Ahmed
Lab
Glasgow South West
Question
Does she agree that these reforms are absolutely necessary to put more Scots back to work and back on the road to prosperity?
Minister reply
Yes, people in Scotland deserve chances and choices to work. We want them to benefit from skills training, reduced waiting times, overhauled jobcentres, and more.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Does the Secretary of State recognise that more investment in local government is needed to prevent situations like Mr. McRandal's?
Minister reply
Absolutely, we need more local support which is why we are devolving resources, powers, and responsibilities to ensure prevention and early intervention.
Mary Kelly Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Question
What assurances can the Secretary of State give me that these changes will not push people in areas like mine further into poverty and ill health?
Minister reply
We are creating good jobs, driving down waiting lists in high economic inactivity areas, focusing on areas that need help most.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
The reality remains that over the last few weeks, thousands of severely disabled people in my constituency and millions across the UK have watched in disbelief as politicians debate cuts to their support. Does the Secretary of State understand the real fear and distress this has caused? Will she commit to ensuring not a single person who currently receives PIP will be unfairly punished or left struggling by these plans?
Minister reply
I do understand the worry and anxiety. I hope I have made it clear that we start from a position of compassion for people who can work but are being denied opportunities, as well as severely disabled people who will never work. We are overhauling our safeguarding processes to ensure those who cannot work are never reassessed again.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
Question
I welcome any initiative that will see more people getting back into work, but I have concerns about the wrong people being targeted due to the national insurance contributions increase. Can she give us a rough idea of how much her changes will cost beyond the £1 billion already announced?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman may know that Government Members strongly believe in and support the independence of the OBR. We can give overall figures today, but individual costings will come out through the OBR assessment at the spring statement.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Many constituents have contacted me because they are afraid of losing their benefits. After 14 years of Tory neglect, there is real vulnerability and fear in my constituency. Will the Secretary of State confirm that those who cannot work are nevertheless entitled to a decent standard of living? Will she write to me setting out in detail the incremental support, including tech support, for disabled people in Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West as a result of these measures?
Minister reply
I absolutely commit to doing that.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
Question
In her statement, the Secretary of State referred to right-to-try legislation being brought forward and de-risking work. However, recent Government policies make employing more expensive and risky. What assessment has her Department made with other relevant Departments on the impact of these policies on job creation and opportunities for sick and disabled people to try work?
Minister reply
Labour Members believe that good work and employment rights increase likelihood of taking work and keep people in work, which is why we are bringing forward changes. We have employers who want to work with us to get the people they need because they struggle to fill vacancies.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Question
In Erewash, many disabled and sick people are forced to jump through hoops for benefits needed to survive. I welcome the Secretary of State’s plan to switch off reassessments and end needless stresses these people must endure. Will she elaborate on those plans?
Minister reply
This is personally important to me and the Minister for Social Security and Disability. We have seen cases where people with severe disabilities are being reassessed needlessly. While switching reassessments back on, we want to ensure there is dignity and respect for those who can and will never work.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
Has the Secretary of State ever been diagnosed with depression? Does she think putting people with mental health conditions through more reassessments will make their condition better or worse?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is brave enough to talk about her health issues in this House. People’s mental health conditions affect them differently; work has helped some deal with problems, while others struggle even to get out of bed. We need a system that recognises the different and fluctuating nature of these conditions.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Question
How we reform the employment service is fundamentally important and should not be linked to saving money, which has caused anxiety for my constituents. Patriotic Millionaires propose a tax on assets over £10 million to bring in £22 billion annually. Does the Minister agree that this is a better way to fill the black hole due to 14 years of Tory Government?
Minister reply
Aspiration, compassion, care and fairness are hallmarks of this Government. That’s why we’re bringing forward these reforms from a belief that everybody has value and contribution to make.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the potential impact on injured service personnel claiming PIP as an interim measure while compensation claims are processed prior to awarding armed forces independence payment? Will this also be within scope?
Minister reply
I will look into that issue in detail and respond to the hon. Gentleman as soon as I can.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
My right hon. Friend co-chairs the child poverty taskforce. Can she tell the House what analysis she has undertaken of the impact on child poverty of the reforms announced today? Will she publish that analysis, and can she assure the House these reforms will not make child poverty worse for any child in a family receiving benefits?
Gregor Poynton
Lab
Livingston
Question
My constituents welcome your commitment today to protect those who cannot work due to severe disabilities or illness. Can you confirm that individuals with the right support will get assistance to find employment and build a better life for themselves and their families?
Minister reply
Yes, Members have rightly noted that PIP is not linked to work but contributes to the additional costs of living with a disability. However, 17% of people on PIP are currently in work. We want to address this gap by expanding opportunities for disabled individuals who can work.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Question
Can you offer reassurance to Sue, whose 45-year-old son is permanently disabled due to childhood illness? Her son works part-time with support but has to prove his permanent disability again every time there is a change in circumstances. Will the changes apply across other Departments including transport for matters such as bus passes and blue badges?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady raises an important issue, and I will review it to ensure that we address it properly.
Warrington North
Question
While accepting the possibility of people with severe mental health conditions working with support, is there a risk that these proposals are premature given the current state of mental health services?
Minister reply
We follow the evidence on this and have committed to recruiting 8,500 new mental health workers and rolling out individual placement and support within the NHS. These measures can be life-transforming.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Question
Wales will be heavily impacted by these cuts given its high proportion of disabled people in working age. Stripping £5 billion from the system will increase pressure on other services. Has the Secretary of State secured support from her Labour Welsh Government colleagues?
Minister reply
Welsh Labour wants to see more people having chances and choices to get good jobs, including building 1.5 million new homes and supporting clean energy.
Knowsley
Question
Supporting measures to get people who can work into employment, I am contacted by constituents worried about those like Lisa whose son has a severe disability and cannot work. Can you assure that such individuals will not be worse off under these proposals?
Minister reply
We absolutely protect those who can never work. We are consulting on potentially increasing the age until which children get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from 16 to 18.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
Parity in welfare benefits is a key Union feature. If Northern Ireland mitigates these cuts as they did previously, will this money come out of needed services such as health and education?
Minister reply
Full details on the impact of these changes on the block grant will be available at the spring statement. We provide the biggest ever block grant settlement since devolution and work closely with Northern Ireland to help people into work.
Andrew Pakes
Lab
Peterborough
Question
With Peterborough being a youth unemployment hotspot, I welcome your work on employment support services for young people. Could you speak more about the Government's youth guarantee and how we put it into practice?
Minister reply
We are investing extra support into the youth guarantee in his area, and look forward to launching that youth guarantee very soon.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Question
While applauding intentions of getting people back to work, my inbox is full of emails from petrified disabled constituents. One constituent, Jason, has been told by Leicester city council that his PIP payment will now be considered income leading to increased council tax payments. How can the Minister address this issue?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is welcome to write to me about his constituent so I can look at the matter.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
Three-quarters of people claiming universal credit and disability have gone without essential items in the past six months. With a £5 billion cut, will this situation worsen? Can we consider looking at a wealth tax instead?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from increased investment into employment support services and an above-inflation permanent increase in universal credit for those on PIP. We have already taken action to ensure that those with the broadest shoulders take more responsibility.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Considering severe mental health issues such as paranoia, anxiety, depression or PTSD may cause fear of phone calls from withheld numbers, can you commit to ensuring these individuals will not be impacted or hounded in the attempt to root out fraudsters?
Minister reply
We are committed to individual case-by-case assessments and have seen people with severe mental health conditions find work through NHS support services.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
The Minister's proposal to tighten PIP eligibility criteria could mean that even those assessed as needing help may not receive necessary support. Given an average payment of just £12 a day, is it not wrong to balance the books on the backs of sick and disabled people?
Minister reply
We will focus PIP on those with the greatest needs by changing the assessment so that people will need to score a minimum of four points to qualify for the daily living component. This change applies to new claimants from November 2026, while reassessments will be conducted individually.
Chris Webb
Lab
Blackpool South
Question
Considering high child poverty rates and low access to mental health support in Blackpool, what can the Secretary of State do to turbocharge the health service and place representatives from the voluntary sector into jobcentres?
Minister reply
We are considering putting jobcentres into GP surgeries and community centres. We want a jobs and careers service that goes where people are rather than expecting them to come to us, and we have already seen some success in Manchester with commissioned specific talking therapies for work seekers.
Deirdre Costigan
Lab
Ealing Southall
Question
Disabled workers often face absolute poverty pay and feel better off on benefits. How will Labour’s commitment to a new equality Bill ensure that disabled workers receive equal pay at work?
Minister reply
Today, we launched a consultation on equality pay gap reporting which aims to address the issue of unequal pay faced by disabled workers.
Blair McDougall
Lab
East Renfrewshire
Question
To ensure that more people can secure vital Access to Work support, how will the Government involve larger and more profitable employers in bearing these costs?
Minister reply
We are launching a consultation on Access to Work to ensure that it goes to the right place at the right time. We need to recognise that many disabled adults are in work but face challenges due to low pay and lack of opportunities.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
While welfare reform is necessary, what measures are being taken to address the root causes of people’s inability to work rather than just focusing on symptoms?
Minister reply
We want to tackle root causes by putting the country on a pathway to success. We believe in treating people with dignity and compassion while addressing challenges such as unsustainable public finances.
Cat Eccles
Lab
Stourbridge
Question
How will the Government help employers support their employees properly when they experience ill health?
Minister reply
Our Keep Britain Working review is dealing with this issue, aiming to provide more opportunities for sick and disabled people to obtain work and stay in it.
Zarah Sultana
Ind
Coventry South
Question
With the Resolution Foundation warning that cuts in PIP could push 620,000 people into poverty, how can these changes be justified rather than pursuing fairer alternatives like a wealth tax?
Minister reply
Spending on working-age sickness and disability benefits will still rise substantially over the current Parliament. We aim to make reforms compassionate and ensure that disabled people have a voice in any adjustments.
Harpreet Uppal
Lab
Huddersfield
Question
What assessments have been made of the impact of these changes on income for disabled people, and will the Secretary of State ensure reforms are compassionate?
Minister reply
We will publish equality and poverty impact analyses alongside the spring statement. We aim to treat people with dignity, respect, and compassion while addressing challenges in a sustainable system.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Question
Will jobcentre staff have access to fit notes to better support those with disabilities in finding work?
Minister reply
We want to free up our work coaches’ time from benefit administration so they can spend more time supporting sick and disabled people, referring them to mental health or debt advice services.
Jen Craft
Lab
Thurrock
Question
How will the Secretary of State ensure that those with severe mental illness have true support to access employment?
Minister reply
We need to do much more to join up what the DWP does with the NHS and local skills and voluntary organisations. We aim to forge a pathway for people suffering from severe mental illnesses.
Terry Jermy
Lab
South West Norfolk
Question
How will reforms help speed up the PIP assessment process which currently takes far too long?
Minister reply
We have announced a review of the PIP assessment process, led by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and Disability, to ensure that it is less miserable for everyone involved.
Natasha Irons
Lab
Croydon East
Question
The system is clearly broken, and I welcome the urgent work to get it fixed. What reassurance can the Secretary of State provide to children living in households that receive PIP but are in poverty? What reassurance can she provide to one in five people receiving universal credit and disability benefit who rely on food banks already? What reassurance can she give to constituents, 6,000 of whom claim PIP?
Minister reply
Having chaired Feeding Leicester for years, I know the issues faced by people right across my city. Our objective is to get those who can work into good work as a sustainable way to tackle poverty and inequality. We are also committed to developing a bold cross-Government child poverty strategy which we hope to publish shortly.
Poole
Question
Being healthy is shaped by the world around us, from homes to air quality and income. Does the Secretary of State agree that there is a moral case for tackling social determinants of ill health and poverty rather than cutting benefits for the most vulnerable?
Minister reply
I have worked in health and know the importance of addressing inequalities. We are looking at building more decent homes, raising incomes with our new fair repayment rate which gives £420 annually to the poorest families, and tackling poverty through getting people into good jobs.
Yuan Yang
Lab
Earley and Woodley
Question
I strongly congratulate the Secretary of State on the £1 billion package. Will she commit to working cross-departmentally for long-term investment in health, which is fundamental to our economy?
Minister reply
Yes.
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Darlington
Question
I welcome the reforms and commitment to protect vulnerable disabled people. Can the Secretary of State give assurances that constituents with learning difficulties who have been bullied and scarred by rhetoric about being workshy will be offered safe, secure work placements?
Minister reply
I am not interested in blaming people for easy headlines; many with autism and neuro-divergent individuals have been treated badly. If more case studies are sent from her constituency, I will look at them to see what we can do.
Kirsteen Sullivan
Lab/Co-op
Bathgate and Linlithgow
Question
I recently held a child poverty roundtable where many found themselves worse off when losing benefits. What assurances can my right hon Friend provide that under these changes, constituents will be better off in work?
Minister reply
My hon Friend raises an important point. She should talk to the Minister for Social Security and Disability who is reviewing universal credit as we promised in our manifesto.
Sarah Smith
Lab
Hyndburn
Question
My visually impaired constituent Ellie visited a jobcentre but was belittled and told she could not get help because of PIP. Can the Secretary of State reassure me and Ellie that such experiences will become a thing of the past?
Minister reply
That is absolutely my intention. I ask my hon Friend to send me the details, so I can look into this personally.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Question
In East Thanet, PIP claims have more than doubled since 2018. How will reducing support for those struggling to wash and dress themselves help tackle challenges?
Minister reply
We are consulting on this proposal and want to ensure severely disabled people who will never work are protected. However, many young people with special educational needs can make a contribution, live independently, and get work if provided the right support.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Question
Would the Secretary of State agree that we need to support Harlow constituents with severe disabilities who cannot work and end this constant reassessment process?
Minister reply
We absolutely will protect those with severe disabilities who can never work. We do not want to see them going through deeply worrying reassessments, and we aim to correct the broken system and provide hope for better days ahead.
Question
How can someone qualify under the new PIP rules if they have all of the listed needs but will not be eligible under the current descriptors?
Minister reply
While this is not a formal point of order, I acknowledge that there are concerns about how the changes to the PIP system may affect individuals currently receiving support. We commit to addressing these issues openly and honestly.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.