The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) welfare system faces a major shake-up if Reform wins the next general election, with plans to slash about £50bn from the benefits bill. Robert Jenrick is fleshing out proposals this week to replace the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system for working-age people.
Under the crackdown, 2.89 million people would have their disability payments removed or modified. Reform also wants to reform children's benefits, aligning the system for anxiety, depression, and ADHD in young people with changes to the adult system, but only for new claimants.
Reform's PIP replacement plans
Mr Jenrick described the changes as an attempt at "modest savings" gutted by backbenchers. The proposals would abolish PIP for working-age people, replacing it with a new system that could result in fewer people receiving support.
The plans have sparked concern among disability advocates, who warn of severe consequences for those who rely on PIP to maintain independence and employment.
Kerry Riches: 'People will die'
Speaking to GB News, Kerry Riches, who has multiple sclerosis, warned that "people will die" if Nigel Farage's party slashes benefits to deliver £50bn in savings. She said she relies on support linked to her disability to remain independent and in work, including an adapted vehicle.
"I'm going to go in with the harsh truth on this: people will die if PIP payments are removed," she said. "You remove PIP, and people will be isolated. People will die. People will stop working, and then they will need more help from the government."
Impact on disabled workers
Ms Riches emphasised that PIP is an in-work, non-means-tested benefit that keeps people in the workplace. She explained that removing PIP would also remove access to adapted vehicles, mobility scooters, and wheelchairs.
"I get no money from the government. I get an adapted vehicle because I've got multiple sclerosis and I cannot feel my legs from the knees down," she said. "You remove their mobility scooters, you remove their wheelchairs."
Ms Riches concluded: "It was not on my bingo card to get multiple sclerosis and become disabled at the age of 24, but here I am." The proposals remain under development, with Reform yet to confirm the full details of its benefits strategy.
