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Politics reporter Kate Whannel reports that Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is under scrutiny from Labour MPs regarding the implementation of changes to the benefit system, in an effort to quell a backbench revolt. The government recently announced a reversal in policy, stating that stricter criteria for receiving personal independence payment (Pip) would only impact new claimants after November 2026, rather than existing recipients. Additionally, a review of the assessment process, conducted in conjunction with disability organizations, is set to be completed by autumn 2026.
Despite these adjustments, Labour backbenchers are questioning the rationale behind altering eligibility criteria before the review is finalized. Kendall assured that any recommendations stemming from the review, overseen by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms, would be swiftly implemented. She emphasized that the review’s goal is not driven by cost-cutting measures but by ensuring the benefit is equitable and sustainable for the future. Pip assessments currently involve evaluating tasks like food preparation, personal hygiene, and dressing, assigning scores based on the level of difficulty experienced by the individual.
Critics, including Debbie Abrahams and Dame Meg Hillier, have raised concerns about the threshold of four points for a single activity that new claimants must meet to qualify for Pip. The government’s concessions came after more than 120 Labour MPs, supported by Abrahams and Dame Meg, threatened to block the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments Bill. While some Labour members are still expected to oppose the bill, Kendall defended the modifications as necessary to address a struggling welfare system inherited by the government.
Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately criticized the government’s revised plan as a rushed compromise that would save £2.5bn from a £100bn bill. Despite attempts to address concerns and alleviate poverty risks, some MPs worry about creating a two-tier system with restricted benefits for new claimants. Kendall defended the decision, highlighting the challenges individuals face in adjusting to new rates or rules that impact their livelihoods. The government’s revised estimates suggest around 150,000 individuals may fall into poverty by 2030 due to the welfare cuts, lower than previously forecasted figures
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