Welfare reform legislation to be debated next month, MPs told
Proposed legislation to reform the welfare system will be debated by MPs for the first time next month, Commons Leader Lucy Powell has announced.
MPs are also expected to vote on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill on July 1, when it receives its second reading in the Commons.
The Government has faced backlash from some Labour MPs over the 'damaging disability benefit cuts', which it has said could save up to £5 billion a year.
Ms Powell set the date for the Bill's second reading during business questions on Thursday.
Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan has accused the Government of 'rushing through' the Bill, adding: 'This isn't something I'm prepared to support.'
Ministers are likely to face a Commons stand-off with backbenchers over their plans, with dozens of Labour MPs last month saying the proposals were 'impossible to support'.
The reforms – aimed at encouraging more people off sickness benefits and into work – are set to include the tightening of criteria for personal independence payment (Pip), which is the main disability benefit, as well as a cut to the sickness-related element of universal credit (UC) and delayed access to only those aged 22 and over.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the legislation 'marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity'.
She added: 'Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it.'
In what could be seen as an attempt to head off some opposition, the legislation will give existing claimants a 13-week period of financial support.
The Department for Work and Pensions said this will apply to those affected by changes to the Pip daily living component, including those who lose their eligibility to Carers Allowance and the carer's element of UC.
But campaigners, including disability equality charity Scope, said the longer transition period, up from an originally expected four weeks, 'will only temporarily delay a cut and disabled people will continue to be living with extra costs when it comes to an end'.
As the Bill was formally introduced to the Commons on Wednesday, and the question was asked as to what the next date for debate will be, former Labour MP John McDonnell, who now sits as an independent for Hayes and Harlington, could be heard to say 'Never'.
Mr Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole, is one of the members who has urged ministers to withdraw the cuts, which he has argued will 'make things worse' for disabled people.
Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: 'It's clear the Government are rushing through this change before MPs have received all the necessary impact assessments that they need to make a decision.
'The Bill lays out how large numbers of disabled people are going to be made poorer. This isn't something I'm prepared to support.'
Earlier this week, Mr Duncan-Jordan had said: 'The Government will only withdraw its damaging disability benefit cuts if Labour MPs make clear they will vote against them.
'The so-called concessions that have been suggested are nowhere near enough to undo the damage that is being proposed. The facts are undeniable: these cuts won't create jobs, they'll only push three million people deeper into hardship.'
The latest data, published on Tuesday, showed that more than 3.7 million people in England and Wales are claiming Pip, with teenagers and young adults making up a growing proportion.
Pip is a benefit aimed at helping with extra living costs if someone has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition.
Data for Pip claimants begins in January 2019, when the number stood at 2.05 million.
An impact assessment published alongside Wednesday's Bill introduction confirmed previously published estimates that changes to Pip entitlement rules could see about 800,000 people lose out, with an average loss of £4,500 per year.
Ms Kendall previously said there are 1,000 new Pip awards every day – 'the equivalent of adding a city the size of Leicester every single year'.
The impact assessment also confirmed a previous estimate that some 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children, are likely to fall into relative poverty after housing costs in 2029/2030, although the Government repeated that this does not take into account the potentially positive impact of £1 billion annual funding by then for measures to support people into work.
Changes to UC are expected to see an estimated 2.25 million current recipients of the health element impacted, with an average loss of £500 per year.
But the Government said around 3.9 million households not on the UC health element are expected to have an average annual gain of £265 from the increase in the standard UC allowance.
While all of the Bill applies to England and Wales, only the UC changes apply to Scotland.
The Government said there are equivalent provisions to legislate for Northern Ireland included in the Bill.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Scottish Government ending use of WhatsApp after Covid inquiry criticism
The Scottish Government is now ending the use of WhatsApp and other messaging services on its mobile devices, following criticism in the wake of the Covid inquiry. The Government had previously agreed to end its use of WhatsApp and other non-official messaging applications by spring next year. Opposition MSPs have said the new policy is a 'clear admission' from the Government that the pandemic deletions were wrong. The policy comes into force on Friday though some teams will continue to phase out the app by the end of the year. As part of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, it emerged ministers and top civil servants deleted WhatsApp messages which had been requested by the inquiry team. The Conservatives attacked former first minister Nicola Sturgeon in particular for deleting messages, though she said they did not relate to Government business. Her successor, Humza Yousaf, ordered a review of mobile messaging which was carried out by Emma Martins – the former Channel Islands data protection commissioner. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the policy will apply to all Scottish Government employees, including contractors, senior civil servants, special advisers and ministers. Ms Forbes said: 'We are setting out a clear approach to ending Government use of mobile messaging apps, and this will support wider work to deliver on our commitment to openness and transparency. 'The use of mobile messaging apps increased during the pandemic as staff worked remotely in unprecedented and difficult circumstances. Having reflected on our working practices, we are now implementing changes to the use of such apps. 'This follows on from actions to implement other recommendations from Ms Martins's externally-led review including updating our hybrid working policy. 'I want to reassure the public that it is a priority of this Government to maintain secure and searchable data, ensuring compliance with all records management rules. 'We will continue to act to ensure our data policies are robust, especially considering technological advances.' Scottish Conservative MSP Craig Hoy said: 'This is as close as we'll get to an apology from the SNP for the shameful, industrial-scale deletion of Covid WhatsApp messages which was orchestrated by John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon. 'This change in policy is all well and good but the horse has already bolted for bereaved families who were denied the answers they deserved over the decisions taken by SNP ministers during the pandemic. 'Secrecy and evasion are hardwired into this SNP Government, so the Scottish people will not be duped into thinking one overdue concession marks a change in culture.'
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Campaigners for and against assisted dying make feelings known at Westminster
Campaigners on both sides of the assisted dying debate voiced their opinions as they gathered outside Parliament ahead of a crunch vote on Friday. Dame Prue Leith, Dame Esther Rantzen's daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, and the broadcaster, Jonathan Dimbleby, were among the high-profile figures supporting the Bill to change the law in England and Wales. Members of the Dignity in Dying campaign wore pink and held placards in memory of friends and family members. Those opposed to the Bill included groups dressed as scientists in white lab coats and bloodied gloves and masks, as well as nuns and other members of religious organisations. The mood amongst campaigners was largely calm and respectful on both sides. Dame Prue told the PA news agency she was 'both nervous and confident' about the outcome. 'It's so moving to see all these people with placards of people they've lost or people who are dying of cancer,' she said. 'It's hard not to cry because I think they have done such a good job. Let's hope we've won.' Mr Dimbleby said he believed the Bill would be 'transformative'. He added: 'What it will mean is millions of people will be able to say to themselves, 'If I'm terminally ill, I will be able to choose, assuming I am of sound mind and I am not being coerced, to say 'Yes, I want to be assisted – I have dignity in death'.' Rebecca Wilcox, the daughter of Dame Esther, said: 'It couldn't be a kinder, more compassionate Bill that respects choice at the end of life, that respects kindness and empathy and gives us all an option when other options, every other option, has been taken away, and it would just be the perfect tool for a palliative care doctor to have in their med bag.' Teachers Catie and Becky Fenner said they wanted other families to benefit from the Bill. Their mother, who had motor neurone disease, had flown to Dignitas in Switzerland to end her life at a cost of £15,000. The sisters said they did not get to properly say goodbye and grieve and worried about the legal repercussions. Catie, 37, said: 'We were left quite traumatised by the whole experience – not only seeing a parent go through a really horrible disease but then the secrecy of the planning.' Campaigners against the Bill, who were gathered outside Parliament, chanted 'We are not dead yet' and 'Kill the Bill, not the ill'. A display was erected with a gravestone reading 'RIP: The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Bury it deep', and behind were two mounds meant to resemble graves. Andrew Hilliard, 75, said he was opposed for religious reasons. He was dressed in a white lab coat with a placard reading: 'Protect our NHS from becoming the National Suicide Service'. The chief executive of Care Not Killing, Dr Gordon Macdonald, said MPs should prioritise improving palliative care. He said: 'Most people, when thinking about the practical implications of this, for those most vulnerable, they change their minds.' George Fielding, a campaigner affiliated with the Not Dead Yet group which is opposed to assisted dying, said he attended to represent disabled people. He said: 'This Bill will endanger and shorten the lives of disabled people.'
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Council Tax set to change for millions with major bill overhaul
Council Tax in England is set to change for millions of people, in moves to make rules fairer, including stamping out 'unacceptable, aggressive' practices, instalments paid over 12 months and a shift in who doesn't have to pay. A consultation has been launched by the Government today, running over the next 12 weeks, on the administration of council tax, including how Council Tax is billed and how payments are collected and enforced. To help households manage their finances, the Government is proposing changing Council Tax billing from 10 months to 12 months by default, while maintaining the ability for households to pay over 10 months where preferable. Council Tax bills tend to be paid through 10 instalments (from April to January) and the majority of the 25 million council tax bills issued each year in England are paid by this method. But 12 month instalments could help households to spread the cost of their bills over a longer period. The average band D household would be paying around £38 less each month if they paid over 12 months because the total cost would be spread across more instalments, the consultation document said. Under the proposals, households would still have the right to request 10 monthly instalments if they wanted to, with the request being made by April 15 of the relevant year. The Government is also looking at enforcement processes, including 'a more appropriate and proportionate timeframe' before councils can demand a full bill from households. At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws (Eng). The govt has launched a consultation. Have your say on debt collection hell, SMI discounts, easier to challenge band, pay over 12 not 10mths and more. Do have your say: — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) June 20, 2025 When someone fails to pay council tax, a reminder can be sent seven days after a missed payment. Following that, if the bill remains unpaid seven days after the reminder notice has been issued, the full amount due for the year becomes payable. The council may also seek a liability order to confirm the debt and start enforcement action. "Our fiscal inheritance means that there will be tough choices on all sides to get us back on the path to recovery. It will take time, but we are getting on with the job." The Government is seeking views on when full liability should apply, following a reminder notice being issued, and whether there are any further steps councils should take before being able to charge for a full year's bill. The consultation document said: 'It is critical councils have the power to recover unpaid council tax and many councils do good work to support local people. However, the Government believes that aggressive recovery action has been applied too quickly and too intensely in some cases.' Feedback is also being sought on how council tax information could be made more transparent and accessible. In a foreword to the consultation document, local government minister Jim McMahon, said: 'We will make rapid progress in improving the experience of council tax for bill payers. 'This includes action to end unacceptable, aggressive collection practices that have seen vulnerable people who miss payments rapidly subjected to lump sum payments and liability orders, which can lead to bailiffs being sent in, without the offer of a payment plan or a welfare check. 'These practices do not benefit councils, who can incur costs seeking punitive measures without recovering the tax in question, or residents. This Government will deliver on a fairer and more efficient system for taxpayers and councils and which enables councils to fund vital public services.' Mr McMahon said: 'We believe we can be both firm on deliberate tax avoidance, and fair to those needing support with a common-sense approach that strikes the right balance.' In a video posted on X, consumer champion Martin Lewis said the Government had 'listened'. The and Money and Mental Health Policy Institute founder said: 'Many parts of the council tax system are broken, and I've been calling for some fixes for getting on for 20 years.' Mr Lewis continued: 'Many of the things I've long been championing for change that can affect millions of people's lives are in that consultation. So we have the chance of getting things done.' He encouraged people to have their say, adding: 'Councils are allowed to collect debts in a rapid and aggressive manner that would make banks blush. Brilliant news. I'm quite emotional. Govt has agreed to investigate Council Tax rapid debt collection escalation that is catastrophic for millions. Miss one MONTH'S payment and within six weeks you can have baliffs forcing you to pay for the YEAR plus £100s admin charges.… — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 14, 2025 'Within three weeks of saying you can't make a monthly payment, they can tell you: 'Now you have to pay us for the whole year'. 'How someone who's missed a monthly payment is going to be able to pay for the year, I don't know. 'Within three weeks of that, they can go to court and get bailiffs to come and get your money with added costs on top. 'It is life destructive and mental health destructive for many people, who simply don't have the money. 'No commercial lender would be allowed to do that. They would have to treat you fairly, to look at signposting you towards getting help. And it would take, you know, getting on for a year before the bailiffs could be coming in.' Grace Brownfield, head of influencing and communications at Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: 'We've long campaigned for improvements to how people are treated when they fall behind on their council tax, which would benefit councils too. 'We're pleased the Government has recognised this and is looking at making changes. Extending the time period before councils can make people liable for their entire annual bill, as well as introducing new steps councils have to take to understand someone's situation and support them accordingly could make a big difference in reducing the harm council tax debt can cause.' Recommended reading: Martin Lewis' summer money-saving tip 'turn the bottle over' HMRC is changing some pensioners' tax codes to take back Winter Fuel Allowance Martin Lewis: Biggest factor to change mortgage rates Pete Marland, chairman of the Local Government Association's economy and resources board, said: 'Council tax income is an increasingly important funding stream for the local services millions rely on every day. Councils have a duty to residents to collect taxes so those services are not affected. 'Councils also know residents can be affected by debt and financial hardship and have implemented a wide range of measures to ensure that recovery practices are fair, and support is available for households who are struggling to pay their bills. 'All councils already allow residents to pay council tax over a 12-month period, but we look forward to working with government on an approach that enables councils to invest in council tax collection practices that effectively balance the collection of vital revenues with measures that help those struggling to pay.' The consultation closes on September 12 and people can respond to the consultation by completing an online survey.
