A major review of Personal Independence Payments (PIP), the UK's main disability benefit claimed by around four million people, is set to report its findings 'imminently' to the new Prime Minister, with Andy Burnham expected to make a key decision shortly after taking office later this month.
Burnham's stance on welfare cuts
The former Greater Manchester Mayor has acknowledged the need to reduce the welfare bill but has ruled out 'crude' major cuts to benefits early on. Burnham told the Times recently: 'I am not squeamish about saying that the plan would be to reduce the welfare bill. Not at all.' However, he added: 'It is not the traditional Westminster way of just crude cuts, short-term cuts that then create a backlash and create more political turbulence.' He emphasised a preventative approach: 'It is actually going to do things that will reduce the benefits bill, moving towards a more preventative state that makes the right investments to support people into work.'
Avoiding Labour tensions
Burnham is likely eager to avoid the rocky relationship that Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves experienced with Labour backbenchers over previous plans to cut PIP, as he seeks to maintain party unity early in his premiership.
Charity calls for reform
Rethink Mental Illness has called for a rethink of how PIP supports people with mental health difficulties. Its investigation found that while PIP helps people access therapy and manage conditions, increased stability is sometimes used as a reason to withdraw the benefit, risking financial difficulty and relapse. Mark Winstanley, chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: 'PIP can be a stabilising factor in people’s lives, helping them to access support, maintain relationships, and even hold down jobs or engage in volunteering. But as our report makes clear, the system is frustrating, inconsistent and distressing for people living with mental illness, causing harm when it should be keeping them safe.' He added: 'What’s most concerning is that the system is penalising recovery. No one should feel they have to stay unwell to keep the support that helps them survive. With major decisions about PIP on the horizon, this is a crucial moment to get reform right.'
