Sir Keir Starmer has faced rebel Labour backbenchers over his ambitious plans to reform the PIPs benefits reform, stressing “we have got to get the reforms through.”
MPs are set to vote in the coming weeks on measures designed to reduce the benefits bill by £5 billion by 2030. Central to the package is tightening eligibility for PIP, or the Personal Independence Payment, for those with less severe disabilities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Dozens of Labour MPs have raised objections to cuts affecting both PIP and the health-related portion of Universal Credit. However, Sir Keir remains firm. “The system is not working. It’s not working for those that need support, it’s not working for taxpayers,” he told broadcasters.
What’s changing under the PIPs Benefits Reform?
- The existing work-capability assessment, which decides entitlement to incapacity benefits, will be scrapped in 2028.
- From then on, only one health-related assessment—following the current PIP system—will determine support eligibility.
- PIP qualification will require higher proof that claimants need assistance with daily tasks such as eating, washing, dressing and communication.
Disability claimants face more frequent reassessments, with many required to attend in person. Yet, those with the most severe, long‑term conditions will no longer be reassessed. The government estimates up to 1.3 million people in England and Wales could lose at least some support.
Many Labour MPs say they’ll oppose the welfare reform bill. Last week, ministers offered a 13‑week transition period for those losing benefits, during which carer’s allowance will continue. But some remain unimpressed.
Dr Simon Opher told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the “slight delay” was “not very much really” and “doesn’t change the basic fact” of cuts to disability payments.
Asked about further concessions, Sir Keir emphasised his commitment to reform. He laid out his principles:
- Those who can work must work with adequate support to do so.
- Those who need support to work must receive it, claiming it is currently insufficient.
- Those who cannot work must be protected, with no repeated reassessments.
“The principles remain the same, those who can work should work. Those who need support at work should have that support. Those who are never going to be able to work should be properly supported and protected,” he reiterated.
With the welfare bill approaching its vote, the PIPs benefits reform is set to reshape the UK’s disability and sickness support landscape, balancing austerity with protection for the most vulnerable.
