The cuts, which could see millions of Brits with disabilities and long-term health conditions lose out, form part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ plan to decrease Government spending
Support payments designed to help people with disabilities and longterm health conditions could face cuts in the next Labour Budget, reports the Telegraph, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves keen to get “tough” on spending rather than raise taxes.
Ms Reeves is considering cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a welfare benefit that can see recipients receive up to £9,600 a year.
Introduced in 2013, the numbers of people claiming PIP have risen steadily over the past decade. The benefit currently costs the Department of Work and Pensions around £22 billion, a figure forecast to increase to £35 billion over the next five years.
The next spring budget in the UK is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The Chancellor of the Exchequer will present the budget at that time. In 2019, around 2,200 new payments a month were being made to people with anxiety or depressive orders.
That more than doubled to 5,300 new payments in 2023. Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, has rejected the idea of swapping the money for vouchers but other options are available.
Ms Kendall promised to end the “blame” culture shortly after taking up her role last summer. A DWP spokesman said in response to the reports from the national newspaper this weekend: “We don’t comment on speculation.”
The statement went on: “We have been clear that the current benefits system needs reform so it is fairer on the taxpayer and people get the support they need to move into work.”
“Building on our Get Britain Working White Paper, we will bring forward proposals for reforming the health and disability benefits system in the Spring.”
“This will be part of a proper plan to help disabled people who can work secure employment while ensuring support is provided for those who need it.”
For more incredible stories from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters