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Question
The shadow minister criticises the Government for their latest welfare plans, labelling them as rushed compromises that do not achieve meaningful reform or savings. She points out that two people diagnosed with Parkinson's a week apart may receive different levels of support under these plans.
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Question
I am supportive of the principles but query some points raised, particularly about a new PIP assessment process under the PIP review. The Secretary of State said that the four-point requirement will not apply until November 2026, and that the review will report in November 2026, but surely the PIP review should determine the new process?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and I look forward to giving evidence to the Select Committee about our overall proposals. The Bill brings forward a four-point requirement for all new PIP claims after 2026; this will be in place only for new claimants while we consider changes for the future.
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Question
The proposals today are rushed and wrong-headed. What consultation has she undertaken with carers? Has there been any cost shunting for our care and social needs system identified in the proposals?
Minister reply
I know that the hon. Gentleman cares passionately about these issues. We have committed to protect existing PIP claimants as a result of the changes announced today, including those carers whose carer’s allowance is a passported benefit.
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Question
I welcome the statement but many constituents are relying on Scottish Government for employment support. Will she outline what discussions she is having with the Scottish Government to address these concerns?
Minister reply
Our new jobs and careers service applies in all parts of the UK, including Scotland, to help get more people back into work with personalised support. The spending review has delivered an additional £9 billion for Scotland.
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Question
The vast majority of people believe in a welfare system compassionate to the vulnerable but cannot understand why so many are not working.
Minister reply
We have to reset the system and make sure everybody who can work gets the opportunity. This is precisely what we are trying to do with these plans.
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Question
Will she explain the rationale for settling on those four points in one category prior to the Timms review?
Minister reply
The Bill brings forward a four-point requirement for all new PIP claims after 2026; this will be in place only for new claimants while we consider changes for the future.
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Question
The Secretary of State tells us that this week’s U-turn will cost £2,500 million a year by 2029. Will she tell the House how she proposes to cover that expense?
Minister reply
This change will be fully funded and details will be set out in the next fiscal event.
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Question
I welcome progress, but I cannot countenance sick and disabled people being denied support to enable them to be independent. Will the Secretary of State set out why we are voting on these matters tomorrow?
Minister reply
No existing claimant will be put into poverty as a result of the changes in the Bill. The figures mentioned by the hon. Member take into account none of the record levels of employment support that we are putting into the system.
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Question
My constituent Steve, who has ME and is debilitated, told me he would rather lose both his legs than have got ME. Could the Secretary of State tell Steve why if he had got ME two to three years later, he almost certainly would not have been eligible for any PIP at all?
Minister reply
We are deeply concerned about what the hon. Lady’s constituent has been through and we want to make sure that the whole assessment process works as effectively as possible.
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Question
Why did the Department for Work and Pensions choose not to consult with disabled people on the PIP proposals?
Minister reply
We are committed to co-producing this PIP review, led by the Minister for Social Security and Disability. We will also set up collaboration committees on access to work and pathways to make sure that we really get this right.
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Question
To describe it as fair and equal to treat people with identical conditions differently purely on the basis of whether they are an existing recipient of benefits is Orwellian newspeak, isn’t it?
Minister reply
The Conservative party did it for 14 years.
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Question
Will the Timms review have the powers to review budget savings for future claimants of PIP? Also, if claimants request a reassessment because of worsening health conditions, will they be assessed on the current criteria or the new eligibility criteria?
Minister reply
The PIP review is not driven by an objective of making savings; it is about ensuring that this vital benefit is fair and fit for the future. As is the case now, people can request reassessments whenever they want.
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Question
Why was not cutting winter fuel payment, keeping the two-child cap and pushing 150,000 more disabled people into poverty put in the Labour manifesto?
Minister reply
Reforming the benefit system was in our manifesto. So too was our commitment to tackling child poverty.
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Question
What is the logic of making changes for future claimants before finishing the Timms review?
Minister reply
Existing claimants on PIP will be protected. The reason we are making the changes for future claimants is that we want to start to focus that, for future claimants, on those with higher needs.
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Question
Why is the Secretary of State not bringing forward proper reforms rather than these rushed cuts imposed by the Chancellor?
Minister reply
The hon. Member should make that point to those on his Front Bench, who had 14 years.
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Question
Can she confirm that my constituents will be able to feed their direct lived experience into the PIP review?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend’s constituents will absolutely be able to feed their views into the review.
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Question
Is it unjust and uncaring that anybody with her exact needs applying after next November will be left without help?
Minister reply
It is common through the benefit system to protect existing claimants from new rules and rates. We are putting billions of pounds extra into the NHS so people can get the health and social care support they need.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that the removal of face-to-face assessments during the pandemic was necessary but could potentially lead to abuse? If so, will she commit in principle to reinstating these assessments?
Minister reply
That is exactly what we committed to in our Green Paper.
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Question
Will the Department delay removing clause 5 from the Bill until any future legislation can set clear criteria for the changes, ensuring transparency?
Minister reply
We are co-producing this review, and it may result in changes that require primary or secondary legislation. We do not want to pre-empt these outcomes.
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Question
Given the Secretary of State's focus on social justice, how can she justify cutting benefits for sick and disabled people while proposing changes in the future?
Minister reply
Our changes are rooted in the principles that those who can work should do so with support, and those who cannot work must be protected. We believe these reforms will put the welfare state on a more sustainable footing.
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Question
Given that the Bill has been revised recently due to flaws, why push ahead with changes now before the Timms review reports?
Minister reply
We need to begin reforming the welfare state to help those who can work enter employment, protect those who cannot, and ensure sustainability. Existing claimants are protected from these changes.
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Question
Will introducing two different levels of health component outside the severe conditions criteria raise barriers to work, contrary to the stated intent?
Minister reply
I fundamentally disagree. Universal credit sometimes locks people out of work by requiring them to define themselves as incapable to afford living.
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Question
Will the Timms review funding model use the inherited four-point system, and if so, how can this be meaningful co-production with disabled people?
Minister reply
The four-point minimum will not relate to existing claimants but will come into effect for new claims in November 2026. The review will look at activities, descriptors, and points given.
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Question
If someone with a fluctuating condition improves but then re-enters the assessment process, would they return to their previous PIP level or be treated as new applicants?
Minister reply
We will involve constituents and organisations representing those with fluctuating conditions in the review process.
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Question
Will discussions involving young people, particularly care-experienced young people, be part of future reforms?
Minister reply
We are establishing a youth panel to ensure young people's voices are heard and will provide extra support for young care leavers.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State realise how difficult it is for DUP members to support these changes after last week’s statement from the Deputy Prime Minister?
Minister reply
Leadership involves sticking to principles and values, listening to ensure we get things right.
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Question
What difference does she believe that the 'right to try' guarantee will make in supporting work and rewarding those looking to re-enter or enter work?
Minister reply
The 'right to try' guarantee is designed to support people entering or returning to employment, providing them with necessary assistance.
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Question
Why did the Government introduce rushed changes that caused anxiety and distress, especially with a four-point limit for new claimants?
Minister reply
For new claimants, it is to focus PIP on those with higher needs. Doubling in claims risks sustainability; we need to ensure it's there for those who really need it. Protecting existing claimants while making changes for future ones backed by the right to try and investment in employment support.
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Question
How will co-production be given effect, and how is it different from consultation?
Minister reply
We are not setting out the precise detail of how co-production works to ensure people have a proper say. We are in discussion with disabled people and their organisations on collaboration committees, reforms to access to work, pathways to work, and investment in employment support.
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Question
Why do new claimants not have the same need for PIP as existing ones?
Minister reply
Access to work is there to support people with needs over and above legal requirements. We are consulting on access to work reforms because backlogs are too long and not enough people are getting support.
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Question
Over 400,000 disabled people will be denied PIP from next year; is it better to pull the artificial deadline?
Minister reply
Many hon. Members raised concerns about constituents who are anxious. Nine out of ten existing claimants will be protected in future, and the Timms review will look at PIP going forward.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State make an updated statement on compatibility with the European convention on human rights?
Minister reply
We have complied with all legal requirements.
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Question
Will she give a commitment to write into a Bill that these proposals will be compliant with the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities?
Minister reply
I would not make any changes incompatible with the law.
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Question
Why has a two-tier system been created, and is it fair that people on the old rate will get reduced rates?
Minister reply
PIP is not an in-work benefit; there are many differences in benefits already.
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Question
How will co-production of the new system with disability groups ensure a fairer system?
Minister reply
We will ensure views and voices of disabled people right across the country are fully involved in our process, including those in the north-east. The Minister for Social Security and Disability will develop the process in close conduct with disabled people and their organisations.
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Question
Will somebody who suffers the same kind of condition receive PIP whenever this Bill becomes law?
Minister reply
There are many differences in benefits already, including under previous Labour Governments. The Timms review will look at different descriptors and points alongside wider changes.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State meet to discuss what more we can do not just to support disabled people but encourage employers to take on some of the talented, brilliant people living with disabilities in his constituency?
Minister reply
We are consulting on access to work reforms and overhauling jobcentres for more personalised, tailored support. We have set our jobcentres a new goal of reducing the disability employment gap.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm that there will be a period where some people will fall between the old system and the new one, as they are required to achieve four points on criteria not yet fit for purpose?
Minister reply
The Timms review will look at the descriptors and different points that they get. We aim to put these changes in place as soon as possible after the report's publication in autumn 2026.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State now realise that to win a mandate, one needs to be straight with people, including their own MPs?
Minister reply
I am very proud of our Prime Minister who changed our party and won the leadership. The mandate can be seen by the number of MPs on the Benches behind me.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State expedite the Mayfield review, include disabled people more meaningfully, and indicate how the Government will implement our manifesto commitment to increase access to reasonable adjustments?
Minister reply
The Mayfield review will report before the Budget. We are looking at whether we should put in place a timeframe within which employers need to respond to requests for reasonable adjustments.
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Question
Why are the proposed PIP cuts still being applied to new claimants?
Minister reply
We want a system that is sustainable and lasts. The rate of rising claims is faster than the increase in prevalence of disabled people in this country.
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Question
Can existing claimants or those on legacy benefits be reassessed under new measures, and will carers be included in the co-production review?
Minister reply
People who are currently on PIP and are on it by November 2026 will remain on that benefit under those old rules. Carers will be included in the co-production review.
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Question
Where is the equality in evaluating one person’s eligibility for the daily living component of PIP on practical consequences and another based on the date of their application?
Minister reply
Certain parts of the country, and different types of people, have been repeatedly neglected and denied opportunities. Governments can make a difference if they are determined.
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Question
Does she agree that in more than 70% of appeals, PIP outcomes are overturned in favour of the claimant, necessitating correct assessments from the start?
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Question
Can she commit to engaging with Kathy, a disabled person running a Facebook group of 44,000 people advising on PIP and disability-related matters?
Minister reply
I will absolutely ensure that those views and voices are heard. However, this is not about luck but about people and places neglected and denied opportunities for too long.
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Question
What reassurances can she give that the Timms review will address inconsistencies in DWP decision makers and provide confidence in the decision-making process?
Minister reply
One of the reasons we are bringing back face-to-face assessments and recording them as standard is to get to the bottom of this and make sure it is put right.
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Question
How can DWP and Department of Health and Social Care work together to ensure that disabled people are properly supported into work?
Minister reply
Our joint work and health unit is working precisely on those issues. Getting people back to health and back to work is important, as good work is critical to good health.
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Question
The MP raises concerns about over £3.5 billion of cuts affecting disabled people and unpaid carers, with hundreds of thousands of new claimants set to lose thousands of pounds each year. He questions the lack of Office for Budget Responsibility impact assessments and the Timms review outcomes.
Minister reply
The Secretary acknowledges these concerns but highlights the Labour Government's commitment to a significant investment in employment support for sick and disabled people, including continuing Work Choice programmes which saw 40% more disabled individuals enter employment over eight years.
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Question
The MP queries whether the 'co-production' of the PIP review is genuine when it starts from a position of delivering cuts, rather than genuinely seeking to support disabled people.
Minister reply
The Secretary reassures that existing claimants will be protected and no one currently receiving benefits will be pushed into poverty as a result of this Bill. The reforms aim at helping more sick and disabled people find work by providing the necessary support.
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Question
The MP asks for assurances regarding potential differences in qualifying criteria across nations, particularly concerning access to passported benefits from November 2026.
Minister reply
She confirms that the new four-point minimum requirement will apply to all new PIP claims from November 2026 while existing claimants remain protected. The Scottish Government's review of the Adult Disability Payment and its eligibility criteria is noted.
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Question
The MP asks for confirmation that Labour reforms will end the cruel legacy of forced reassessments and hoops for disabled adults with irreversible health conditions.
Minister reply
Yes, the Secretary affirms that unnecessary stress caused by repeated assessments will be addressed through the proposed reforms.
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Question
The MP inquires about support for communities where work is a significant issue, seeking to end the failed system that has let down many people.
Minister reply
The Secretary highlights the government's commitment to transforming the welfare state to provide more employment support for sick and disabled individuals. This includes funding for additional employment initiatives as outlined in the Green Paper.
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Question
The MP suggests sequencing changes to ensure that a review happens before assessing new claimants and asks about private company involvement in assessments.
Minister reply
The Secretary confirms the government's commitment to reviewing assessors' training, including face-to-face recording of assessments as standard practice.
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Question
The MP asks for a single disabled person-led organisation supporting the legislation and expresses concern over proposed cuts.
Minister reply
While understanding disability organisations' concerns, the Secretary asserts that the reforms aim to create a fair system by protecting existing claimants and offering employment support for those wishing to work.
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Question
The MP requests reassurance about future meetings with disabled constituents to discuss changes, particularly regarding fluctuating conditions like ME and MS.
Minister reply
The Secretary agrees to work closely with MPs, disabled people, organisations, and experts as part of the Timms review process. She emphasises addressing fluctuating health conditions for practical support in the long term.
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Question
Asked about how many disabled groups have indicated they want to participate in the PIP review and what would be the Government’s response if a two-tier system is proposed.
Minister reply
The Minister for Social Security and Disability has met many disabled organisations. Discussions will continue on precisely how the co-production process will work.
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Question
Asked about whether a reassessment of PIP eligibility would be under current or new rules.
Minister reply
Existing claimants will continue to be assessed under the existing rules.
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Question
Asked about plans to mitigate impacts of potential changes on access to blue badges and bus passes for disabled people.
Minister reply
Existing PIP claimants will continue to have that benefit, which includes all passported benefits such as Carer’s Allowance.
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Question
Asked about the Government's commitment to involve Parkinson’s UK in welfare changes.
Minister reply
Parkinson’s UK will be closely involved in the PIP review.
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Question
Asked about more details on employment support funding and its allocation across schemes.
Minister reply
A collaboration committee is already in place to ensure the pathways-to-work funding meets needs, with precise allocations set out later.
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Question
Asked about genuine co-production and mental health support availability by November 2026.
Minister reply
The Government is committed to parity of esteem between physical and mental health, with new emergency mental health services being rolled out.
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Question
Asked about ensuring full accessibility for participation in the Timms review.
Minister reply
That is unacceptable, and will be sorted.
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Question
Asked if withdrawing the Bill would allow better policy consultation with disability groups.
Minister reply
Welfare reforms must begin to make changes for those who can work and protect others, putting employment support in place for sick and disabled people.
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Question
Asked if rushing through legislation without full consultation is the wrong approach.
Minister reply
The reforms aim to put welfare on a sustainable footing, ensure support for sick and disabled people, and prevent reassessment for those with severe conditions.
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Question
Asked about the Government's focus on closing the disability employment gap.
Minister reply
The Government is determined to tackle the 28 percentage point disability employment gap, which is one of the widest in Europe.
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Question
Asked about overhauling jobcentres for better support.
Minister reply
The Government is overhauling jobcentres to provide personalised, tailored support and involve employers more.
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Question
Asked about working with other departments to improve life chances for young people.
Minister reply
The Government will work with the Department for Education and Business and Trade to address youth employment issues.
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Question
Can you elaborate on how these new foundation apprenticeships will differ from existing ones?
Minister reply
The new foundation apprenticeships are designed to be more accessible and provide a better transition into the workforce, with specific focus areas that match industry needs.