UK Plans £5bn Cuts to Disability Benefits Amid Warnings

The UK government is expected to announce significant welfare cuts, targeting disability benefits in an effort to reduce the benefits bill by £5 billion. A report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies warns that individuals with disabilities could face cuts of up to £1,200 per year, with potential reductions of 16% in benefit values for 4.3 million expected claimants by 2029. Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall emphasized the need for reforms, but campaigners argue that cuts could push up to 700,000 people into poverty. The government has been criticized for not focusing on helping individuals return to work rather than merely reducing benefits. In Scotland, the Adult Disability Payment is set to replace Personal Independence Payment, supporting a growing number of claimants with various health conditions. As the debate continues, key figures like Keir Starmer advocate for substantial changes to the welfare system to address the increasing claims for disability benefits.