Tories plan major overhaul of PIP system for support

Conservative shadow chancellor Mel Stride has called for a major change to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system. He said that if the Tories were in power, they would look to fundamentally overhaul PIP. Stride made these comments during an interview on Sky News. He explained that his party had previously consulted on reforms to PIP. These changes would have focused on saving money while also improving support for those in need. Stride criticized the current government's approach, saying they have merely altered the assessment process to cut costs. When discussing what a "more targeted" approach would look like, Stride provided an example. He suggested that instead of just giving money to someone with a mental health condition, the PIP system could offer treatment to assist them in finding work. He believes this would be better for both individuals and taxpayers. The discussion comes after the Labour Government announced its own changes to the welfare system. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said that new PIP reforms would prioritize support for those with the greatest needs. Starting in November 2026, people must score a minimum of four points in certain assessments to qualify for the daily living element of PIP. Kendall emphasized her goal of improving the lives of sick and disabled people. She noted that the government aims to help those who can work to find jobs while also protecting those who cannot work.