Rachel Reeves laid out the Government's Spring Statement to MPs, revealing further cuts to benefits. Here's the lowdown on what you need to know about the latest updates.
The Chancellor presented her financial policies to Parliament and shared a comprehensive collection of documents detailing the government's upcoming fiscal strategies. Not long ago, Liz Kendall, Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary, unveiled ambitious plans for an overhaul of the welfare system, proposing significant adjustments to both Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit.
Reflecting on the recent announcements during her speech, Reeves declared: "Last week the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, set out this government's plans to reform the welfare system. The Labour party is the party of work. We believe that if you can work, you should work. And if you can't, you should be properly supported."
Emphasising the urgency of the matter, she added: "This government inherited a broken system. More than 1,000 people qualify for PIP every single day. And one in eight young people are not in employment, education or training. If we do nothing, that means we are writing off an entire generation."
The DWP is set to release more details on their plans later today. However, it's expected that further clarifications and specifics will be provided after the consultation period concludes, reports the Mirror.
An impact assessment, also due for publication today, will confirm the exact number of individuals affected by these changes. Reports suggest that the assessment will warn of fatalities resulting from the benefit cuts.
The Resolution Foundation has expressed concerns that alterations to PIP could lead to between 800,000 and 1.2 million people losing support ranging from £4,200 to £6,300 annually by 2029-30.
Understanding the Changes to PIP
The government's proposals primarily targeted the disability benefit PIP. The purpose of this benefit is to help offset the additional costs associated with having a disability or medical condition.
PIP isn't an unemployment benefit; it can be claimed regardless of employment status or savings.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed last week that the Labour government intends to tighten eligibility criteria and review the assessment process.
To make a successful claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you typically need to undergo an assessment that determines the tasks you find challenging and how your condition affects your daily life. This is done using a points system.
At present, you need between eight and 11 points to receive the standard daily living or mobility part of PIP. You qualify for the higher rate if you score 12 points or more.
However, under new changes, from November 2026, you will need a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living part of PIP.
This implies that claimants will need to demonstrate greater difficulty in completing certain tasks, such as washing, eating, and dressing, to be eligible to claim PIP. While these changes won't affect those who currently have an entitlement, it will impact people when they reapply or are reassessed after the new rules come into effect.
The assessment for the PIP mobility component remains unchanged.
In addition, under the new plans, individuals with health conditions that are permanent or expected to worsen will not have to undergo reassessment - but other claimants may face more frequent reassessments. There will not be a predetermined list of conditions eligible for this; it will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
If you're terminally ill, you usually receive PIP automatically without an assessment, and this will continue to be the case.
The Government has unveiled updates stating that most Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments will be carried out in person. They noted that while face-to-face evaluations will become the norm, "reasonable adjustments" will continue to be available for individuals unable to attend such appointments.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
English (United States) ·