UK Welfare Bill Narrows Disability Benefits, Risks Deepening Poverty

The UK government's proposed welfare bill, which includes cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit, has sparked widespread concern among disabled communities and advocacy groups. Disability Rebellion and other campaigners argue that these reforms will strip disabled individuals of their independence and worsen poverty, with fears of a two-tier benefit system that divides the disabled community. The government’s amendments, which limit cuts to new claimants and protect existing recipients, came after over 120 Labour MPs threatened to rebel, but critics say these measures do not go far enough. The proposed changes are expected to make it harder for disabled people with less severe conditions to claim PIP, potentially pushing many into homelessness due to rising housing costs and insufficient support. Activists highlight that the focus on cutting welfare spending overlooks structural barriers to employment for disabled people and call for increased funding for programs that support disabled workers. Overall, the welfare bill is seen by many as a disablist policy that risks deepening inequality and hardship for disabled individuals across the UK.