There are widespread, but as yet unofficial, reports of “massive concessions” by the government in relation to planned benefit cuts, which will see current claimants protected and the backbench rebellion end.
According to reports in the Guardian and the BBC, cuts to PIP and the LCWRA element of universal credit (UC) will not apply to current claimants.
In addition, a package of employment support measures worth £1bn will begin this year with more to come, rather than being introduced in 2029.
There will also be consultation with disability groups on other planned changes to benefits.
Future claimants, however, will be subject to the PIP four-point rule and to the reduction in the LCWRA element of UC.
It is claimed that the heads of government committees, who were leading the rebellion, have all accepted the government’s offer. Though one campaigner, MP Peter Lamb, has said he will still not support the bill because the government is ignoring better options.
No official details of any concessions have yet been released and given the governments rushed timescale for getting the legislation through parliament, there will be little opportunity for MPs to scrutinise and debate the details.
Update: the BBC are reporting that the protection of current claimants is now official, stating "Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall told Labour MPs that claimants of the personal independence payment (Pip) will continue to receive what they currently get, as will recipients of the health element of universal credit. Instead, planned cuts will only hit future claimants."
They also quote the leader of the rebellion, MP Dame Meg Hillier as saying she would now support the government's welfare bill.
