**Government Announces Changes to PIP as Reforms Face Backbench Pressure**
In a significant development impacting thousands of people across the UK, the Government has confirmed that individuals currently receiving the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will retain their entitlements, following intense negotiations and dissent within the Labour Party ranks. The move comes amidst growing concern over proposed welfare reforms, with a letter from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall promising income protection measures for those on Universal Credit (UC) as well.
The announcement follows a period of crisis talks with members of Parliament, as more than 120 Labour backbenchers put their names to an amendment that could have halted the progression of the contentious legislation. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, championed by Sir Keir Starmer, is due for its crucial second reading in the Commons, marking the first chance for MPs to give the reforms their formal backing or rejection.
A Downing Street spokesperson acknowledged the depth of concern among party supporters, stating: “We have listened to those who agree with the principles of reform but are rightly worried about its speed and immediate impact. The updated package is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the social security system, offer dignity for those unable to work, support those who can, and alleviate anxiety felt by current claimants.”
Originally, the Government’s proposals narrowed eligibility criteria for PIP, the principal disability allowance, and further restricted aspects of Universal Credit linked to illness. Earlier drafts included a 13-week transition phase for existing recipients, a measure seen as an attempt to mitigate opposition by softening the blow for current beneficiaries.
In her letter to MPs, Ms Kendall acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the proposed changes, stressing that current beneficiaries would continue to receive their support under the existing system. She clarified, “The new eligibility standards will only apply to new cases from November 2026 onwards.” In a further measure, adjustments to payment rates will ensure that both current and future recipients of the UC health component, provided they meet severe condition criteria, will have their income levels maintained in real terms.
Ms Kendall also announced an independent review of the benefits, to be carried out alongside disabled people, advocacy groups, and MPs—a move she said reflects Labour’s “commitment to fairness and getting these reforms right.” These assurances appear poised to offer crucial protection to approximately 370,000 current PIP claimants, who were previously at risk of losing their support following a reassessment.
Assuming the Bill emerges successfully from its second reading, it is scheduled for a brief period of scrutiny by all Members of Parliament next week, bypassing the lengthier process usually undertaken in committee. The so-called “reasoned amendment,” introduced by Dame Meg Hillier, argues that the voices of disabled people have not been sufficiently heard and that deeper examination of the Bill is necessary.
Reacting to these developments, Dame Hillier remarked: “These are significant changes to safeguard the most vulnerable, while ensuring disabled people are directly involved in redesigning the benefits system.” Nonetheless, not all MPs appear mollified. Rachel Maskell, for instance, voiced her concern that without thorough consultation and transparency, any reform risks sidelining the very people it aims to support, insisting that reforms ought not proceed until disabled people are integral to both consultation and implementation.
Elsewhere, critics have demanded that key assurances—such as continued support for existing PIP recipients—be written into law rather than offered as temporary commitments. Some MPs remain unconvinced, suggesting the Government may need to revisit the Bill’s foundations to secure broader parliamentary approval.
Sir Keir Starmer, addressing the Commons, reiterated his desire for reforms that reflect “Labour values of fairness,” and signalled that consultations would persist in the lead-up to the vote. “There is consensus on the pressing need for welfare reform, and all sides are eager to get this right as a matter of priority,” he stated.
Reactions among charities have been mixed. The learning disability charity Mencap welcomed the protections, describing them as “an enormous relief for thousands living in fear,” and hailed the message that reducing disability benefits is not a fair route to savings. However, the MS Society urged MPs to hold firm and oppose the Bill, arguing that any delay or dilution of the reforms would only postpone hardship for vulnerable claimants.
Critics on the opposition benches have accused the Government of making a “screeching U-turn” and described the new commitments as unfunded pledges that risk burdening taxpayers. As the debate intensifies, all eyes will be on Parliament as MPs prepare to cast their votes on the future of welfare support for some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.