Reform's plans to abolish Personal Independence Payment (PIP) would not apply to two million claimants, according to spokesperson Robert Jenrick. The former Conservative Party MP has moved to reassure anxious claimants over the party's proposed welfare changes.
Reform says almost three million people could see their disability and sickness payments withdrawn or modified under the proposed reforms. A new Health Security Allowance would provide support for people who are “gravely ill and severely challenged”.
Mr Jenrick said: “We will not pretend this is painless. Existing claimants will be reassessed over three to four years: we estimate that 2.16 million will keep their present cash entitlement in full, while 2.89 million will see theirs modified or withdrawn, concentrated where recent growth has been most explosive.”
Claimants and campaigners react
One X user wrote: "I’m a Reform voter. Late 50s, worked all my life, now unable to work after developing an incurable physical condition. PIP & LCWRA are lifelines for genuinely disabled people. Reform says the “severely disabled” will be protected but who exactly does that mean? We need answers."
A second said: "Reform says **2.89 million people** could have disability payments removed or changed under its welfare plans. If you vote Reform, do not assume this only affects “someone else”. These are parents, partners, children, neighbours and workers. PIP is not an unemployment benefit."
Previous attempts to replace disability benefits
Linda Burnip, the co-founder of Disabled People Against Cuts, said previous attempts to replace disability benefits from the Labour Party government with cheaper options had not been successful.
“Originally the Tories scrapped disability living allowance and replaced it with Pip, aiming to save 20% from the social security bill,” she said.
“However, this obviously has failed and the major problem with Reform’s crude plans to save money by denying payments to disabled people is that they fail to understand that a relatively small payment, which supports someone, could result in a massive saving overall from the public purse.
“It could, for example, mean someone with a mental health condition is able to remain living safely in the community rather than needing to spend weeks or even months in a hospital for which private firms often charge around £12,000 per person a week.”
Impact and next steps
The reassessment process is expected to take three to four years, with the most significant changes concentrated in areas where recent growth in claims has been most explosive. Reform's proposals would introduce a new Health Security Allowance for those deemed “gravely ill and severely challenged”.
As the party continues to detail its plans, disabled people's groups and claimants are seeking further clarification on exactly who would be protected under the new system. The outcome of these proposals could have far-reaching consequences for millions of people currently receiving PIP and other disability benefits.
