A significant number of disabled individuals across England and Wales may be stripped of their benefits due to impending Government welfare reforms.
A new analysis has highlighted the extent to which these proposed changes could affect Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients, especially those who require support for daily living activities.
Key Findings From the Report
According to The Big Issue, which examined statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), more than 50% of current PIP daily living allowance recipients in 10 different parliamentary constituencies could potentially lose this support if the proposed legislation is approved in the coming month.
Most Affected Constituencies by Projected PIP Losses
| Constituency | % At Risk |
|---|---|
| Boston and Skegness | 52% |
| Tipton and Wednesbury | 52% |
| Torfaen | 51% |
| Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney | 51% |
| Smethwick | 51% |
| Cannock Chase | 51% |
| Wolverhampton South East | 51% |
| Bolsover | 51% |
| South Holland and The Deepings | 50% |
| Rhondda and Ogmore | 50% |
These figures reflect the proportion of claimants who scored less than four points across all daily living criteria in their PIP evaluations, suggesting a significant vulnerability to losing benefits under the new system.
Key Regions Under Threat
Among the hardest-hit regions are Tipton and Wednesbury and Wolverhampton South East—the latter being the constituency of Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden.
Even relatively less affected areas like Guildford, Surrey, are not spared, with over a third of claimants there at risk of losing their daily living component of PIP.
In Boston and Skegness, represented by Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice, 52% of recipients could see their benefits withdrawn, mirroring the risk level in the worst-impacted locations.
Projected Financial Losses from Eligibility Cuts
Recent updates suggest that changes to PIP eligibility rules could result in financial losses of up to £12,000 per year for certain individuals.
These losses may be compounded for households also receiving Carer’s Allowance.
Combined Annual Benefit Values
| Benefit Type | Annual Value |
|---|---|
| PIP (Higher Rate) | £5,740.80 |
| Carer’s Allowance | £4,331.60 |
| Total Loss | £10,072.40 |
If both payments are discontinued, households could face a combined income drop exceeding £10,000 annually, with some losing up to £12,000 depending on specific circumstances.
MPs and Public Reactions
Steve Darling, a Liberal Democrat MP whose questions led to the research, emphasized the severity of the impact: “Many families could be pushed into hardship if they lose both PIP and Carer’s Allowance simultaneously.”
DWP’s Official Response
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) responded by saying that the majority of PIP recipients would continue receiving support despite the reforms. The DWP reassured the public:
“We are committed to protecting the vulnerable. Our updated social security system will continue to support those permanently unable to work. Additionally, we’re conducting a review of the PIP assessment process in collaboration with disabled individuals and advocacy groups to ensure fairness and effectiveness.”
The proposed cuts to PIP daily living benefits could significantly alter the financial landscape for hundreds of thousands of disabled people in the UK.
With some households facing annual losses of £10,000 or more, the upcoming parliamentary decision will have far-reaching implications.
The DWP’s ongoing review offers some reassurance, but for many, the risk of losing vital support remains dangerously high.
FAQs
How many people could lose their PIP benefits under the proposed changes?
An estimated 800,000 people may lose eligibility for the daily living component of PIP by 2029/2030.
What is the potential financial impact on households losing both PIP and Carer’s Allowance?
Families may face an income drop of up to £12,000 per year if both benefits are withdrawn.
Are any areas unaffected by the proposed PIP cuts?
Even in the least affected region, Guildford in Surrey, over one-third of claimants may still lose their PIP daily living allowance.
