The Labour government is facing significant criticism after a major review into disability benefits failed to outline any plans to reduce the soaring sickness benefits bill. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has admitted that the number of people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has grown considerably in recent years, with projections indicating the total could double to reach four million claimants within a decade.
Review Focuses on Experience Rather Than Savings
In announcing new details of the first comprehensive inquiry into PIP, the DWP notably omitted any mention of reducing claimant numbers or preventing costs from reaching an estimated £45 billion within the coming years. Instead, the review has appointed twelve members to its steering group who will ensure disabled people have their voices heard throughout the process.
The DWP stated that these experts 'bring lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions' alongside extensive work with charities and support organisations. According to an official press release, the steering group will examine several key areas including the role of PIP in helping disabled people achieve better health outcomes and live independently, the current assessment criteria, and how assessments could provide better access to appropriate support across the benefits system.
Political Backlash and Accusations
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately launched a scathing attack on the government's approach, stating: 'Seven months after announcing the Timms review, all Labour has done is come up with a list of names, and admitted their review of sickness benefits will save nothing.' She highlighted that spending on health and disability benefits alone is forecast to reach nearly £100 billion by 2030, accusing Labour of 'kicking reform into the long grass.'
The review is being led by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms and was launched last summer following a significant U-turn on planned £5 billion cuts to PIP. This reversal came after pressure from Labour backbenchers alongside campaigns by disabled people and their supporters.
Disability Advocates Urge Meaningful Engagement
Charles Gillies of the Disability Benefits Consortium emphasised the importance of the review process, urging: 'This review must now engage meaningfully with the steering group and disabled people more generally, and remain laser-focused on improving the fairness of PIP assessments – or we risk this vital opportunity being wasted.' He stressed that the review 'cannot become about making cuts.'
Second Welfare U-Turn Under Scrutiny
Meanwhile, Labour faced accusations of performing a second welfare U-turn under pressure from its own side during Commons debates about lifting the two-child benefit cap. Tory MP Sir Ashley Fox questioned the government's change of position, noting that just twelve months ago, the government supported the two-child cap and suspended Labour backbenchers who voted against it.
Sir Desmond Swayne suggested the reversal was politically motivated rather than fiscally driven, describing it as 'the Labour equivalent of Project Save Big Dog' – a reference to efforts to protect Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Government Defends Fiscal Responsibility
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden defended the government's position, insisting that Chancellor Rachel Reeves needed to 'stabilise the economy' before lifting the cap, which would cost £13.6 billion over five years. He explained that the policy could only be introduced now through a combination of savings from fraud and error in the benefits system, changes to the Motability scheme, and reform of online gambling taxation.
The controversy highlights the significant challenges facing the government as it attempts to balance fiscal responsibility with social support commitments amid growing welfare expenditure and political pressure from multiple directions.
