UK Government's PIP Reforms Expected to Impact One Million Disabled Individuals

The UK government has proposed significant changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which could lead to around one million people losing their entitlement, according to a think tank. The new eligibility criteria require claimants to score at least four on one of the daily living activities to qualify for the daily living element, a change from the previous requirement of a total score of eight across multiple activities. Experts, including financial advocate Martin Lewis, warn that these cuts could result in annual losses of nearly £3,850 for affected individuals, jeopardizing their ability to cover essential living costs. The reforms have faced backlash from various organizations, with concerns that they could increase poverty among vulnerable populations, particularly children. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the changes as necessary for sustainability, asserting they would focus support on those with the greatest needs. Critics, including MP John McDonnell, questioned the potential human cost of these cuts, emphasizing the need for independent monitoring of their impact.