The eligibility criteria for disability benefits will be narrowed in a bid to slash £5bn from the welfare bill, Liz Kendall has announced.
Speaking in the Commons, the work and pensions secretary said the number of new people claiming personal independence payment (PIP) is “not sustainable”.
Politics live: More welfare cuts not ruled out
She said the government will not freeze PIP – as reports had previously suggested – but instead make it harder to qualify for the daily living allowance component.
PIP is money for people who have extra care needs or mobility needs as a result of a disability.
People who claim it are awarded points depending on their ability to do certain activities, like washing and preparing food, and this influences how much they will receive.
Ms Kendall said that from November 2026, people will need to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of PIP.
Currently, the standard rate is given if people score between eight and 11 points overall, while the enhanced rate applies from 12 points.
The changes will not affect the mobility component, Ms Kendall said – but it’s unclear how many people will be impacted, with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s costings report not due until next week’s spring statement.
Warning of ‘immense suffering’
Charities and unions reacted angrily to the announcement, and several backbench Labour MPs raised concerns.
Labour MP Jon Trickett said on X that “cutting welfare payments to sick people is wrong morally, fiscally and…
