Mum fears losing £700 PIP due to benefit changes

Dawn Parker, a mother with multiple sclerosis, is worried about losing her £700 monthly payment from the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme. She relies on this money to help with her disability and is frightened about proposed changes to welfare benefits announced by the Labour Party. Dawn, who is 58 years old and lives in Leeds, shared her concerns following a meeting with local MP Rachel Reeves. She explained that while she has been assured of support, she fears that new assessments could lead to people like her being denied essential benefits in the future. Similarly, Cheryl Lloyd, a single mother from Burntwood, Staffordshire, has faced challenges in the benefits system. She previously earned £46,000 a year as a full-time teacher but now makes the same amount working just two hours a day as a private tutor. Cheryl receives £1,200 a month in Universal Credit, plus additional money for her children. She noted that the system discourages working more, as earning extra hours can reduce benefits. Cheryl expressed her desire to work more and contribute rather than stay at home.