UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has defended her welfare reform, stressing the need to fix a failing system and reduce rising costs.
Despite introducing reforms aimed at saving £5bn, Ms Kendall has not dismissed the possibility of further cuts to the welfare budget.
What did Liz Kendall say about tackling the failing welfare system?
During an interview with Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, the cabinet minister rejected the notion that the changes were merely a “drop in the ocean.”
In her remarks, Liz Kendall clarified that the move to narrow the eligibility criteria for disability benefits was driven by her target to “fix a failing system” that continues to fail those who rely on benefits.
She stated she had revealed a “substantial package” aimed at getting people to find work, addressing the projected rise in the welfare bill, which is expected to reach £76bn by 2030.
Ms Kendall highlighted that the reforms would address a “broken assessment process,” fix “terrible financial incentives” pushing people into welfare, and direct benefits “towards those in greatest need.”
She said,
“It’s providing the largest ever package of employment support.”
In response to a follow-up question regarding whether further savings would be considered during this parliament, Ms Kendall responded, “I’m not saying that,” adding, “I am suggesting we talk about the proposals we are making and not those which we aren’t.”
In response to a question on freezing PIP, she stated that she “never took a tough, macho approach.”
Ms Kendall said,
“I’ve never done politics like that. This is about real people and real lives.”
Work and Pensions Secretary, who contested the 2015 Labour leadership race before Jeremy Corbyn’s victory, expressed frustration over the welfare system, describing it as “broken.”
She said,
“I’ve seen in my own constituency people written off to a life that is not the life they hoped for themselves, or their children or their families.”
Responding to critics who argued that the reforms are morally wrong, Ms Kendall stated,
“What I consider morally wrong is dismissing those who are capable of working.”
She said,
“What’s morally wrong is looking at a benefit system where we are spending more and more on the costs of failure. And if that continues, the welfare state that we created won’t be there for the very people who need it.”
What are the new PIP reforms announced by Liz Kendall?
Ms Kendall announced a series of reforms today aimed at reducing government spending on long-term sickness and disability benefits for working-age people. This cost has increased by £20bn since the pandemic.
Personal Independence Payments, an essential component of the reforms, offer financial support to those with extra care or mobility needs due to disability.
Individuals who apply for PIP are given points based on their ability to carry out activities, like washing and meal preparation. These points determine the amount they will receive.
Ms Kendall stated that from November 2026, applicants will be required to score at least four points in one activity to qualify for the daily living aspect of PIP.
However, the current system offers a standard rate for scores between 8 and 11 points, while those who score 12 points or higher qualify for the enhanced rate.
Despite earlier reports, she confirmed that the government would not freeze PIP, responding to backlash from Labour MPs.
How did trade unions and charities respond to welfare reforms?
Charles Gillies, senior policy officer at the MS Society stated,
“These immoral and devastating benefits cuts will push more disabled people into poverty, and worsen people’s health.”
PCS union general secretary Fran Heathcote said,
“Targeting the most vulnerable with benefit cuts to meet arbitrary fiscal rules is an immoral choice at any time, but at a time of rising poverty, long NHS waiting lists and when the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite is abhorrent.”
Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, stated,
“Mental health problems are not a choice – but it is a political choice to make it harder for people to access the support they need to live with dignity and independence. These reforms will only serve to deepen the nation’s mental health crisis.”
National Education Union (NEU) general secretary Daniel Kebede said,
“It is hard to conceive of a Labour government treating the most vulnerable members of society any worse. For pensioners who have lost the winter fuel allowance, parents coping with the two-child benefit, and now the targeting disabled adults, cruelty is becoming a hallmark of this government. It is simply indefensible.