The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is gearing up to reveal details of a 13-week grace period for those set to lose their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) owing to impending policy overhauls. The up-and-coming Welfare Reform Bill will delineate that individuals who are no longer eligible for PIP shall retain the benefit for an additional 13 weeks before cessation.
Stroud’s GP and MP, Dr Simon Opher, disclosed details on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this Saturday, June 14, affirming that within this bridging gap, the Carer’s Allowance will persist until the termination of PIP. Challenging the incoming reforms, Dr Opher signaled his dissent by planning to “rebel” during the imminent vote, adding that he’s not alone in his stance as “a number of colleagues are in the same situation.”
Describing the proposed concession as minimal, he remarked: “It’s a slight delay in the disability cuts – it’s 13 weeks rather than four weeks,” acknowledging that while it’s a minor change, it’s hardly substantial. Dr Opher also indicated his dissatisfaction with the overall scheme, claiming: “And it doesn’t change the basic fact that they’re planning to cut disability payments to quite a lot of people really. So not terribly impressed, but it’s something at least,” as reported by the Daily Record, reports Wales Online. Within government circles, there has been discernible disapproval surrounding the proposed changes which target the reduction of sickness and disability benefits among working-age citizens.
Currently, an estimated 3.7 million individuals across Great Britain receive PIP, with UK government projections suggesting this figure might rise to four million by the decade’s end. Last month, a number of Labour MPs urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to rethink proposed cuts which they deem “impossible to support”.
Confronted with the possibility of going against his party in a Commons vote on the matter, Dr Opher declared: “I am going to rebel.” He confessed his struggle, saying: “And this comes hard to me, I’ve never actually voted against the Government and I know a number of colleagues in the same situation.” Appealing to the authorities, he implored: “So I just urge the Government really to just consider parts of this again.” A Green Paper outlined potential strategies for “transitional protection for those who are no longer eligible for PIP”, with the UK Government this week clarifying the duration of such a safety net at 13 weeks.
DWP minister Liz Kendall communicated her commitment to The Guardian: “When we set out our reforms we promised to protect those most in need, particularly those who can never work.” With her extensive experience as an MP, she observed: “I know from my 15 years as a constituency MP how important this is. It is something I take seriously and will never compromise on.”
She reasserted her dedication to safeguarding the vulnerable: “That is why we are putting additional protections on the face of the Bill to support the most vulnerable and help people affected by the changes.” Kendall emphasised the firmness of these assurances: “These protections will be written into law, a clear sign they are non-negotiable.”
The UK Government expects these reforms to result in an annual saving of £5 billion by 2030 and secure the longevity of PIP for future beneficiaries. An impact assessment from the UK Government, released concurrently with the reforms, suggests that 250,000 individuals, including 50,000 children, across England, Scotland and Wales could be pushed into relative poverty after housing costs due to these changes. Proposed PIP modifications and online consultation.
A proposed set of reforms aimed at overhauling the welfare system has been introduced. The UK Government has taken steps to enhance the sustainability of the welfare system and safeguard those most vulnerable, ensuring it is accessible for those with the greatest needs now and in the future. Alongside the release of the Green paper, the DWP has also initiated an online consultation on the new proposals. The consultation is open to all and will run until June 30, 2025 – full details can be found on GOV.UK here.