Reform UK's proposed welfare changes could see some Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit claimants lose as much as £10,000 a year, according to campaigners. The party plans to abolish a Universal Credit rate and make it harder to qualify for PIP, with cuts so steep that even individuals with terminal illness, blindness, or profound learning disabilities would be affected.
Campaigners condemn 'cruel and dangerous' proposals
The Disability Benefits Consortium, representing more than 100 charities, said the plans would “vastly increase poverty and worsen people’s health”. A poverty charity official warned: “This will cause horrific levels of destitution and hardship.”
Labour also criticised the proposals. A Labour Party source said: “This analysis exposes the true impact of Reform’s welfare proposals. Far from securing the welfare system for the future, Reform would destroy the safety net that millions of British people have depended on in tough times.”
Reform defends 'commonsense principles'
In a foreword to the plans, Reform leader Nigel Farage and Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick said they were built on “commonsense principles”, adding: “A system intended as a safety net has become a way of life, including for foreigners who haven’t paid a penny.”
The proposals have also drawn fire from the Conservatives. Helen Whately MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “British people want welfare spending under control, abuse stamped out - and dignity for people who are seriously disabled. Serious reforms which take hard work.”
Conservatives accuse Reform of 'flip-flopping'
Whately accused Reform UK of inconsistency, stating: “Reform UK have spent months flip-flopping on the two-child cap and now they’ve rushed out a cobbled-together announcement which is already unravelling. Their proposals will drag Britain back into Brexit battles with no certainty or success.”
She contrasted Reform's approach with the Conservatives' own plans, saying: “The Conservatives have a credible plan to save £23billion from welfare, alongside our root-and-branch review of sickness benefits. That’s the serious approach needed to deliver lasting welfare reform.”
