Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Welfare Reforms: Impact on Disabled People

Wednesday 18 June 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Manuela Perteghella expressed concern that proposed cuts to universal credit could push one in four disabled people with complex needs into debt, citing research by Sense.
  • Anna Dixon questioned the Government about the impact on carers, noting that an impact assessment suggests around 150,000 family carers will lose out due to changes in PIP eligibility criteria.
  • The Government stated they are consulting on the support needed for those who may lose their personal independence payment, including family carers who receive carer's allowance.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Manuela Perteghella Lib Dem Stratford-on-Avon
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The hon. Member raises concerns about proposed welfare reforms and their effect on financial inequalities experienced by disabled individuals.

Question

I have spoken to several disabled constituents who are deeply fearful about the proposed cut to the limited capability for work and work-related activity element of universal credit. Research by Sense shows that one in four disabled people with complex needs could be pushed into debt if the changes go ahead. Will the Minister and his colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions review this damaging proposal?

Answer from The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)

At the moment, there are 200,000 people out of work on health and disability grounds who would love to be in a job, and who say they could be in a job today if they had the support to make that possible for them. We are determined to provide them with that support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific proposal or review request directly but discussed broader intentions regarding support for disabled workers.

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Q2 Anna Dixon Lab Shipley
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The personal independence payment is a passport benefit for carer’s allowance. The Government’s impact assessment suggests that approximately 150,000 family carers will lose out due to the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for PIP.

Question

As the Minister knows, the personal independence payment is a passport benefit for carer’s allowance. The Government’s impact assessment suggests that approximately 150,000 family carers will lose out due to the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for PIP. What further analysis have the Government done of the financial impacts of welfare reform on family carers?

Answer from The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)

We are consulting on the support that will be needed over the next few years for perhaps one in 10 of those currently claiming PIP. Support will be needed for those who lose their benefit, and that will include family carers who receive carer’s allowance at the moment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide details on further analysis but mentioned ongoing consultations about support needs.

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