Current Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants will not be affected by the government’s new welfare bill, after a concession made last night (26 June) by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment bill, published last week, confirmed the government’s plans to cut PIP and other welfare benefits in order to save £5bn by 2030.
The bill was due to be voted on in Parliament next week, however opposition from more than 120 Labour MPs have led the government to make concessions to the original bill.
Reportedly the planned cuts will only affect future claimants, if the amended bill is passed. Disability campaigners say this will create a two-tier system and challenge the morality of this concession.
Epilepsy Action has been campaigning to oppose the changes, backing a lot of people with epilepsy who depend on PIP to meet the extra costs of living with a disability.
The ‘Don’t Take the PIP’ campaign reached more than 200 MPs asking them to oppose the cuts.
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‘The fight isn’t over’
Rebekah Smith, Epilepsy Action chief executive, said: “We’re pleased to see that the government has listened and is re-thinking their changes to PIP payments.
“Our Don’t Take the PIP campaign reached 40% of MPs across the country, and undoubtedly helped stop the proposed changes from coming into place. Thank you to everyone who took part.
“However, future claimants are still at risk. There is uncertainty for those who will rely on it in going forward, who would still need to score at least 4 points in any category to qualify for the daily living part of PIP. Anyone scoring 3s across the board would lose this essential support that they need for things like staying safe or getting to work.
“The fight isn’t over just yet, and we’ll be lobbying MPs to ensure that people with epilepsy are involved in the consultation process around PIP reform. We know many people still cannot access PIP, despite being entitled to it.
“This is still taking the PIP and we will demand that this changes.
“Epilepsy Action will continue to advocate for people with epilepsy, fighting discrimination and exclusion in the UK.”
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