Southampton: Spectrum's concerns over changes to Pip

The Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced an overhaul of the welfare system on Tuesday, which will see reforms to disability benefits in a plan expected to save billions by the end of the decade.

Liz Kendall said the current social security system is “failing the very people it is supposed to help and holding our country back”.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the current social security system was ‘failing the very people it is supposed to help’ (James Manning/PA)

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The changes include the Personal Independence Payments (PIP) system, tightening criteria for people who have difficulty completing everyday tasks as a result of a physical or mental health condition.

However, a spokesperson for the disabled person-run non-profit, the SPECTRUM Centre for Independent Living, says that the changes will "likely have severe negative impacts on disabled people."

George Baker, the chair of the management committee for SPECTRUM, said: "We are deeply concerned about the government's proposed welfare reforms targeting disability benefits.

"These changes, as reported, aim to tighten eligibility criteria for Pip and increase the frequency of reassessments for incapacity benefits to reduce welfare expenditure by £5 billion annually. 

"Such measures are likely to have severe negative impacts on disabled people."

George Baker speaking at a SPECTRUM event (Image: SPECTRUM CIL)

George says the change will increase poverty and hardship for disabled people, increasing stress and anxiety and exacerbating existing health conditions.

Pip has two elements, a daily living part for those needing help with everyday tasks, and a mobility part, for those who need help getting around.

People will now need to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of the benefit from November 2026.

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He added: "While promoting employment is a stated goal, reducing support without adequate job opportunities and accommodations may leave disabled people without the necessary resources to seek or maintain employment, thereby increasing unemployment rates within this community.

"The proposed reforms, particularly target individuals with mental health conditions, who may find it more challenging to navigate the complex benefits system and advocate for their needs, resulting in a loss of crucial support. 

"We urge the government to reconsider these reforms and engage in meaningful consultation with disabled people and their representative organisations to develop policies that truly support and empower rather than penalise us."