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Starmer, Keir

Labour's Disability Cuts: A Moral Stain on Keir Starmer's Government

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Labour's promises of a return to public service have been met with a stark contrast in reality, as the government prepares to vote on cuts to disability benefits. The proposed changes to the personal independence payment (Pip) system will leave up to 1.2 million disabled people without the support they need to live, with many facing severe hardship and even death. The bill also includes cuts to health top-ups for universal credit and the abolition of the work capabilities assessment, which will push more people into poverty. Labour MPs are rebelling against the cuts, but the party's leadership remains committed to pushing them through.

Key Takeaways:

  • The government plans to cut disability benefits for up to 1.2 million people, including those who rely on Pip, with many facing severe hardship and even death.
  • The proposed changes to Pip will require individuals to score a minimum of four points on an assessment designed to measure their ability to carry out daily activities.
  • Analysis by Trussell and WPI Economics shows nearly half a million people in disabled households will be forced into severe hardship if the government goes ahead with the full cuts.
  • The cuts will also affect those who receive both Pip and universal credit, as well as carers who rely on Pip eligibility.
  • The abolition of the work capabilities assessment will push more people into poverty, with many losing their main strand of support.
  • Lee, a severely disabled individual, will lose £718.87 per month if both his disability benefits are stopped, which is roughly half his income.

Statistics:

  • Up to 1.2 million disabled people will lose their disability benefits if the government goes ahead with the cuts.
  • Nearly half a million people in disabled households will be forced into severe hardship if the government goes ahead with the full cuts.
  • The government plans to cut health top-ups for new universal credit claimants from £97 a week to £50.
  • The abolition of the work capabilities assessment will affect swathes of people who lose Pip and will not be eligible for out-of-work sickness benefits payments.

Sources:

  • Ryan, F. (2023, July 27). Labour's disability cuts: a moral stain on Keir Starmer's government. The Guardian.

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