The DWP have published an updated impact assessment showing that 150,000 people will be plunged into poverty by the revised PIP cuts by 2030, down from 250,000 under the original proposals.
The reduction in numbers is the result of the government exempting current claimants from the impact of the PIP 4-point rule, which will come into force in November 2026, if Labour is successful in getting its Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill through parliament over the coming weeks. It also takes into account the fact that the universal credit health element will not be frozen for current claimants from April 2026.
Whilst the reduction in the numbers who will face poverty will be welcomed, there may still be reluctance amongst some Labour MPs to vote for legislation that plunges any disabled claimants into poverty.
In a separate announcement Labour have said that the terms of reference for the comprehensive review of the PIP assessment will be published today.
In addition, draft regulations for the new Right to Try Guarantee, “enshrining protections in law for disabled people and people with health conditions who want to try work” will also be published today.
Plus, the government amendments which will exempt current claimants from the 4-point system should be published today.
And somehow, MPs will be expected to read and understand all these documents in time for tomorrow’s debate and vote, which will affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of disabled claimants over the coming years.
