A crucial vote on contentious welfare reforms is set to take place today following Labour’s announcement of significant compromises to prevent a rebellion from its own MPs.
A total of 126 MPs from the party had put forward an amendment to stop the progression of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which is scheduled for its initial House of Commons debate later in the day.
Initially, the proposal aimed to tighten the criteria for the disability benefit Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and restrict the sickness-related aspect of universal credit. While existing claimants were assured a 13-week safeguard period, Labour has now revealed additional concessions to secure support for the bill.
PIP serves as the primary disability benefit for working-age individuals in the UK, offering assistance to those requiring extra support with daily activities due to health issues, disabilities, or mental health conditions.
Eligibility for PIP is not solely determined by the condition but by its impact on an individual’s daily life. The benefit consists of two components: the daily living element and the mobility element.
Applicants typically undergo an assessment using a points system to assess their eligibility for either or both parts of PIP, which can be conducted in-person, by phone, or via video call. Successful claimants receive PIP for a fixed period before undergoing a review.
PIP awards can range from a minimum of nine months to an “on-going” award subject to a review every ten years, with terminally ill individuals receiving a three-year award without the need for a medical assessment.
Labour recently proposed amendments to tighten PIP eligibility rules and review the assessment process. The changes would mandate a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living component of PIP from November 2026, unlike the current system where lower scores across various tasks can lead to qualification.
However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has agreed that the revised PIP regulations will only affect new claims starting in November 2026, leaving the PIP mobility component unchanged for both new and existing claimants.
The weekly rates for PIP stand at £73.90 for the lower rate and £110.40 for the higher rate in the daily living component, while the mobility component offers £29.20 for the lower rate and £77.05 for the higher rate weekly.
With payments issued every four weeks, maximum rates for both daily living and mobility elements could result in recipients receiving £749.80 every four weeks.