Labour's £5 billion cuts won't reduce rising disability costs
A Labour minister has acknowledged that the party's plan to cut welfare spending by £5 billion will not be enough to control the rising costs of disability benefits. Sir Stephen Timms, the Social Security Minister, admitted that the overall welfare bill is expected to reach £100 billion within five years, largely due to claims for Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The proposed reforms aim to reduce spending by making it more difficult for people to qualify for PIP and by reducing the health top-up for new Universal Credit claimants. This change could result in around a million people in England and Wales losing their benefits. Sir Stephen stated that these adjustments will only slow the increase in costs, making the system more sustainable in the long run. The announcement has drawn strong criticism from some Labour members, charities, and disability advocates. Labour veteran Diane Abbott expressed her disapproval during Prime Minister's Questions, arguing that there is nothing moral about these reforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the changes, calling the situation a "moral issue." He pointed out that around one in eight young people are currently not in employment, education, or training. New data revealed that by 2030, one in 12 working-age individuals may be unable to work due to health issues. At the same time, Pensions Minister Torsten Bell faced backlash after saying he could not survive on a disability benefit of around £70 per week. He emphasized the need for a more sustainable benefits system, noting that changes are necessary to address rising costs. However, proposed reforms could prevent young people under 22 from claiming sickness benefits, pushing some to survive on the low amount.