Overview

• The government will apply stricter eligibility tests only to claimants who apply after the law takes effect, leaving existing beneficiaries untouched.
• Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall assured MPs of the exemption in a letter that was formally endorsed by the government this week.
• Some 120 Labour MPs backed an amendment that would have defeated the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill without the concession.
• The original legislation aimed to save up to £5 billion by tightening access to state support for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
• Conservative critics called the retreat shameful and argued it forfeited a crucial opportunity to rein in rising social spending.