This morning Sir Keir Starmer announced the vote on the welfare bill will go ahead on Tuesday, despite over 120 MPs opposing the legislation.
When prime minister Keir Starmer first announced plans to reform the welfare bill, he initially received support from his peers. Now, this is incredibly far from the case.
Over recent days more than 120 Labour MPs have signed a ‘reasoned amendment’ to oppose the government’s plans, which if passed, would effectively kill the legislation. There are number of reasons as to why the political storm has begun, but the main cause for concerns are the changes earmarked for PIP and Universal Credit payments.
Starmer is looking to tighten restrictions on who will be able to access PIP – a benefit given to individuals that are in work, who have additional care needs or mobility needs as a result of a disability. It is understood the restrictions would lead to at least 800,000 fewer people being eligible for the payment.
What’s more, the government is also looking to freeze the health element of Universal Credit – a benefit that is currently claimed by around two million people – at £97 a week during this parliament and cut the rate to £50 for new claimants. If the legislation passes, there will also be a consultation on delaying access to the health top-up on Universal Credit until someone turns 22, with the savings to be reinvested into work support and training opportunities.
While these plans have been announced with the aim to get more people in Britain working and to reduce costs, many Labour backbench MPs have said a lot of the reforms are too harsh and will penalise some of the most vulnerable in society.
A tone that has been echoed by many. Reacting to the news, Disability Rights UK have said they are ‘shocked’ and ‘appalled at the government’s intended cuts to the benefits that disabled people rely upon.
‘Narrowing eligibility for Personal Independence Payment and reducing the health component of Universal Credit, will drive millions of disabled people into even deeper poverty. The government is demonising and punishing disabled people for the economic failures of successive governments. Why isn’t it looking to the rich, to plug its funding gap?’
Joseph Brunwin, UK policy and public affairs manager at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, has claimed that while he understands Labour’s intentions behind introducing the cuts, the decision will ultimately lead to ‘disrupted routines and increased risks of declining health or unemployment.
‘Occupational therapists play a vital role in helping people adapt when their needs or circumstances change. If entitlement is reduced, timely access to occupational therapy will be critical so individuals can continue to do the things that are important to them.
‘We urge the Department for Work and Pensions to conduct a full, transparent review, focusing on how changes could affect people’s ability to function and participate in daily life.’
Despite rising calls to consider changing the welfare reform plans, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner told Sky News: ‘We’re committed to reforming our welfare system. It doesn’t work. It traps people. And it has to be reformed.’
‘And it has to ensure that we’ve got a welfare system that is fit for the future,’ Rayner continued. ‘And that is why, there will be a vote, and we will press ahead with the reforms.’
Photo by Joakim Honkasalo via UnSplash
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