**Wales Campaigners Condemn Disability Reforms as Bill Lands in Westminster Ahead of Local Consultation**
Campaigners across Wales have criticised what they describe as a disregard for the nation’s voice after the UK government tabled a bill to reform disability benefits before Welsh residents had a chance for face-to-face consultation. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill was submitted at Westminster on 18 June 2025, a full five days prior to the first scheduled public consultation with the Welsh public.
The contentious legislation includes significant changes to the way disability benefits are assessed. Under the proposed reforms, current PIP claimants must acquire at least four points in one daily living activity to qualify for ongoing support with everyday needs. Data from a parliamentary inquiry by the Liberal Democrats reveals that the vast majority of Welsh claimants are at risk: in every Welsh local authority, at least 80% of those on the standard PIP rate may lose their support, while more than half face risks affecting 90% of recipients.
Ben Golighty, an active member of Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) Cymru whose own support hangs in the balance, expressed deep frustration over the process. “It’s outrageous,” he said. “The consultation was going to be unfair anyway, since the most crucial proposals were never genuinely up for debate, but to introduce the Bill before consultation has even taken place here in Wales – it’s a clear sign of contempt for disabled people and for the Welsh public.” His concerns are echoed among other campaigners, especially as Wales is forecast to be one of the hardest hit regions under the new system.
Tensions escalated after an in-person consultation planned in Wales was initially cancelled at the last minute due to issues with the venue, a move campaigners say laid bare a lack of preparation and consideration. “When the first event was cancelled, there was no move to reschedule,” Ben recalled. “It only went ahead after DPAC protested, after media scrutiny, and intervention from a member of the Senedd. We had to fight to get even that basic engagement.”
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), when approached for comment, stated: “It is crucial that the voices of disabled people in Wales are at the heart of our reforms, which is why we rearranged the consultation event. Our intention is to build a welfare system that supports people into work and out of poverty, keeping social security sustainable while protecting those most in need.”
However, many PIP claimants fear the changes will drive them further into hardship. Phil Coleman, 58, of Pontardawe, is just one of those whose lives would be upended if support is withdrawn. Suffering from long Covid and unable to return to work, he is already forced to supplement his low benefits with savings built up over a career spanning four decades. “If my support is cut, I’ll be plunged into poverty while waiting for retirement,” Phil told protestors in Swansea.
Further disquiet has erupted over the language used by policymakers, with some Labour politicians facing allegations of insensitivity. DPAC Cymru members have criticised both the tone and substance of responses from MPs, including receiving what they described as “copy and paste” statements that bypass detailed or personal engagement. Ben Golighty highlighted this frustration: “MPs keep telling us ‘don’t worry, just take part in the consultation’, but how can we, when the Bill is already in parliament? We need proper leadership and honest answers.”
Controversy has also surrounded comments made by Labour MP Torsten Bell, whom activists accuse of dismissing disabled campaigners as “keyboard warriors” – a claim Bell’s office vigorously denies. A spokesperson for the Swansea West MP said: “Torsten meets regularly with constituents about welfare changes and encourages open dialogue. The language attributed to him has been taken out of context and is not representative of his views on disability.”
For his part, Bell’s constituency figures underscore the stakes: more than 90% of local PIP claimants receiving the standard rate currently score below the new four-point threshold, meaning a majority face the loss of crucial support.
Critics of the Bill warn the reforms may not even deliver the anticipated savings. “It’s supposed to save taxpayer money, but many experts doubt it will achieve this. The approach feels more like electioneering than genuine reform,” Ben Golighty added.
Nevertheless, the government maintains that transformation is essential. According to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, “Our system is at a crossroads. This legislation sets out a new social contract: supporting those who can work, and safeguarding those who cannot, all while putting welfare spending on a sustainable footing.”
As the UK Parliament prepares to vote on the Bill, campaigners across Wales insist that disabled people’s experiences and perspectives must be listened to, not sidelined. The bitter controversy suggests that, for many, trust in the process has already been severely undermined.