Statement: Universal Credit & Personal Independence Payment Bill

Over the past few days, I have continued discussions with the government about proposed welfare reforms which began in March, when I went into Downing Street to press concerns directly. I have made clear my belief the government should have framed this issue very differently from the start.  

As a result of this combined pressure from Labour MPs, significant changes have been made, including those confirmed last week and during the debate today. This includes confirmation that all existing PIP claimants will remain on the current system for eligibility, and no changes to eligibility will be made for new claimants until a comprehensive government review of the PIP assessment process is complete. Any future changes for new claimants will be subject to the findings of that review, which I have been promised will be co-produced with disabled people. 

From the start, much of the government’s decision-making has been driven by a very serious worry about how the financial markets would react if we did nothing to bring down increases in social security spending that have been rocketing upwards. Unless we find ways to make the whole system more financially sustainable, there is a real risk that it will not be there in the future for those who need it the most, and who simply cannot meet their needs by earning through work. 

I understand this pressure, but I believe we should never engage in such sensitive and complex changes in a rushed way. We should instead be focusing on the need for comprehensive social security reform that supports people into better work, while removing sources of stress and worry from the minority of ill or disabled people who cannot work. We must bring forward and highlight the £1bn offer of support which is designed to address the root causes of the rapid increase in claims. This sits alongside other very welcome changes being made, such as the exclusion of 200,000 people with the most severe conditions from ever needing to be reassessed, and the new Right to Try Guarantee. 

Last night, continuing my engagement with Ministers, I met with Sir Stephen Timms for a very frank and open discussion, and was reassured by the tone and substance of his response to the concerns I raised. Stephen has a long history of advocacy and delivery for the most vulnerable in society, and is now leading the PIP assessment review. This has given me confidence that flaws in this reform process will continue to be addressed, and on that basis, I felt able to vote for the Bill to proceed to Committee Stage this evening. It is during those further stages that the changes the government has committed to over the last week will be made. 

This Bill is far from the end of this process, and I will continue to engage with Ministers and constituents in the pursuit of social security reforms which build sustainability into the system while protecting, supporting and respecting the most vulnerable in our society. I want to thank all the constituents who have engaged with me about their concerns so far, whether over email or in person. This has been invaluable in securing change.