Now Downing Street has taken its bulldozer to its welfare bill. This change is intended to placate over 120 Labour MPs worried about the negative effect these changes will have on disabled people. The government aims to navigate a contentious legislative landscape, as dissenting voices within Labour raised alarms over the implications of the original cuts.
Labour MPs put their names to an amendment to halt the bill completely. They are concerned that the proposed cuts will decrease the ability of disabled people to receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The government has committed to insulating all existing recipients of disability benefits from the upcoming switch. This is the least of their concessions to cattle interests. Furthermore, the health-related component of universal credit will increase in line with inflation. This new increase goes straight to addressing a few of those pressing financial worries touted by opponents.
Liz Kendall, the Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, outlined these changes in a letter to Labour MPs. The negotiations that produced these concessions stretched for a full day and included high-level rebel leaders and government negotiators. The updated programme is now anticipated to cost around £3 billion, a sum that many believe will only be achievable if taxes are raised. The original cuts were expected to save about £5 billion.
Despite these changes, many of the Labour rebels are still not convinced. Nadia Whittome voiced her concerns on social media, stating, “These concessions aren’t enough and they should worry us all. If you become disabled tomorrow, you risk not having the support you need.” This sentiment resonates with other dissenters, including Rachael Maskell, who asserted, “I and many more cannot accept this backroom deal.”
In response to the outcry, Kendall accepted that the reform should go forward, all while attempting to reassure opponents that it wouldn’t be like they feared. “We have listened to colleagues who support the principle of reform but are worried about the impact of the pace of change on those already supported by the system,” she stated. Kendall was careful to highlight that these changes are intended to keep the social security system afloat and ease fears for existing beneficiaries.
The government’s strategy of delay and defuse seems to be paying off as it continues to make inroads among disruptive factions within Labour. The last of the select committee chairs who’d originally backed the rebel amendment have just flipped on it. They’re therefore running defense on government’s revised proposal. Stephen Kinnock, a health minister, expressed confidence in the bill’s progress, asserting, “I am confident that this bill will come forward on Tuesday and will receive its second reading.”
Other MPs warn of dangers lurking in the changes. They sound the alarm about the establishment of a “two-tier” benefits system that would penalize certain claimants. Alex Sobel articulated this concern by stating, “Whether you acquire disability at birth, five years ago or tomorrow, it should be the same for everyone.”
The debate over the best approach to pursue fiscal responsibility while promoting social equity is far from over. Jackie O’Sullivan remarked on the necessity of preserving benefits for those in need, stating, “It is the right thing to do and sends a clear message – cutting disability benefits is not a fair way to mend the black hole in the public purse.”
Meg Hillier, MP chair of the Public Accounts Committee stressed the importance of these changes in protecting vulnerable people. “It is an offer that makes a huge change to disabled people, and that’s what’s really at the core of this,” she stated. Besides that, Hillier mentioned having heard from happy constituents, convinced that the legislation was heading in a new, positive direction.