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Starmer Vows to Push £5 Billion Welfare Reforms Through Despite Party Opposition

The Welfare Reform Bill is due this week; it includes fixed protections for terminally ill claimants with a 13-week transition period

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Rachel Reeves speaking at a recent business reception. Image: Number 10 / Flickr
Activists from Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) across the country previously came together to protest against the government’s plans to change the disability benefits system again. Image: Chronic Collaboration

Overview

  • The government plans to tighten PIP eligibility and halve Universal Credit incapacity payments for new claimants to save £5 billion annually
  • It will guarantee no reassessments for those with terminal or lifelong conditions and provide a 13-week PIP transition period for others
  • The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Poverty and Inequality urges withdrawal of the cuts that could strip 800,000 people of PIP support entirely
  • DWP estimates indicate up to 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, could be pushed into relative poverty by 2029-30 under the proposed changes
  • Ministers are set to introduce the Welfare Reform Bill this week, with a Commons vote expected in late June or early July despite threats of a major Labour rebellion