Members will be aware that, earlier in 2025, the government published proposals to reform PIP (Personal Independence Payments), Universal Credit and ESA (Employment and Support Allowance). We discussed the proposals as they stood at the time at our Open Meeting and agreed on some steps that members could take.
Camphill Families and Friends also submitted a response to the Green Paper, which is available here.
Update
When the bill reached Parliament in July 2025, the Government had to make concessions, following pressure from campaigners and some of its own MPs. We are pleased to see that some proposed cuts to Universal Credit have been reversed and that current PIP claimants will be protected from a proposed tightening of eligibility rules. There will also be a review of PIP chaired by Sir Stephen Timms.
Campaigners have nevertheless expressed concerns about what remains in the legislation (see this recent article from Citizens Advice) and about the scope of the Timms Review.
Advice UK has a helpful summary of what has and has not changed. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation.
