Reform has confirmed that, if it wins the next general election, it would end Personal Independence Payment (PIP) cash payments for claimants with “low-level” conditions, replacing them with disability support accounts managed by local councils and mayors. The detailed reforms are due to be set out by Robert Jenrick on Monday, as the party attempts to outline its welfare strategy against the Labour government.
Reforms to Replace Cash Payments with Support Accounts
Under the planned changes, the cash payments for low-level PIP conditions would be scrapped. Instead, claimants would receive disability support accounts, administered by local authorities, which could be used to cover costs such as equipment, adaptations, transport, and personal assistance. The move is part of Reform’s broader plan to overhaul the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits system.
The announcement comes as Reform seeks to position itself on welfare ahead of the next election. Robert Jenrick is expected to present the plans in detail on Monday, aiming to contrast the party’s approach with that of the current Labour government.
Political Reactions and Criticism
The proposals have drawn sharp criticism from political opponents. Helen Whately, the Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary, accused Reform of trying to distract from an investigation into a £5m donation to Nigel Farage and his “pointless by-election” in Clacton. She said: “Reform have been nowhere on the debate on welfare reform. They have flip-flopped on restoring the two-child benefit cap and claimed they’ll only take benefits away from foreigners, which won’t do enough to bring down the overall bill.”
Whately added that the Conservatives are “on the side of working people” and have clear plans, including restoring the two-child benefit cap, ending benefits for low-level mental health conditions, removing benefits from foreign nationals, and restoring face-to-face assessments.
A Labour spokeswoman dismissed Reform’s claims, stating: “Reform’s £50bn claim is fantasy economics, built on stripping support from disabled people and shifting costs onto employers.” She emphasised that the Labour Government’s welfare reforms “deliver credible, independently costed savings, not arbitrary numbers with no credible plan behind them”.
Concerns Over EU Withdrawal Agreement
Best for Britain, the pro-EU campaign group, warned that denying benefits to those with indefinite leave to remain would breach the UK’s EU withdrawal agreement. Tom Brufatto, the executive director of policy at the organisation, said: “Our polling shows that people do want to renegotiate our relationship with Europe, but by moving closer, not by damaging ties with vital allies and punishing our neighbours, colleagues and friends who have settled status here.”
The reforms, if implemented, would affect millions of PIP claimants, particularly those with conditions deemed “low-level”. The exact thresholds for what constitutes a low-level condition have not yet been specified, but the plans are expected to be detailed further in Monday’s announcement.
