Overview

• The House of Commons passed the Universal Credit Bill after ministers dropped most proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment eligibility.
• All substantive PIP reforms have been deferred until a review led by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms produces recommendations.
• Liz Kendall defended the overhaul as focused on supporting disabled people into work rather than achieving Treasury savings.
• Backbench Labour MPs and disability charities had mounted a revolt over the planned cuts, forcing the government’s U-turn.
• Sir Stephen Timms’s review will be co-designed with disabled claimants and advocacy groups to guide any future benefit changes.