Reform UK's proposals to overhaul the benefits system would protect seven specific groups of claimants from cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit. The plans, which would be implemented if Reform wins the general election, aim to save the average family £1,700 a year by 2030 while putting 241,000 more people into work.
Seven conditions protected under proposed reforms
According to Reform UK, those expected to pass the assessment and remain eligible for the new PIP/HSA payment include individuals with: terminal illness, severe permanent physical disability, profound learning disability, severe autism with high support needs, severe enduring mental illness, major neurological disease, and serious brain injury.
The party also stated that protection would extend to those who are highly dependent on support for daily living, have irreversible or highly unlikely-to-improve conditions, or suffer from serious, unstable, or deteriorating conditions where prognosis, treatment burden, or safeguarding risk justified continued cash support.
Party leaders outline common-sense principles
In a joint foreword, Nigel Farage, the party leader, and Robert Jenrick outlined the principles behind the welfare overhaul. Farage said: "Under Reform, the welfare system will be based on common-sense principles. If you can work, you should. If you cannot work because of a severe disability, society should support you."
He added: "If taxpayers provide for you while you look for work, you should give something back to the community. Welfare funded by British taxpayers should be reserved for British citizens. And if you cheat the system, you should expect to be caught. This paper sets out how we will put these principles into practice."
Economic impact and moral case
The party estimates that, if implemented this year, the programme would put 241,000 more people into work by 2030 and save the average family £1,700 a year. Farage said: "We achieve this while protecting those who need the State's support, including pensioners and disabled children."
He continued: "Those savings will allow us to reduce taxes on working people and invest in public services. But the case for welfare reform is bigger than the numbers. It is a moral crusade to restore fairness to a welfare state we once prided ourselves on. We hope you will join us."
The proposed changes would represent a significant shake-up of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits system, with the party aiming to balance fiscal savings with protections for the most vulnerable claimants.
