PIP cuts will push families further into poverty, research finds

Under the plans a new eligibility requirement will be introduced which will mean only those who score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity will be eligible for the daily living component.
Claimants are assessed on categories such as preparing food, washing and bathing and toilet needs.
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For example, someone who is unable to cook a simple meal but can use a microwave would get two points, an individual who needs supervision or assistance to prepare or cook a simple meal would be given a score of four, and someone entirely unable to prepare and cook food would get eight.
The government estimates up to 1.3 million people across England and Wales could lose at least some support under the changes.
In Scotland the PIP and carers allowance are devolved, but finance secretary Shona Robison MSP has warned people north of the border will also be affected because the money comes from block grant funding, meaning a cut in UK spending on the benefit will reduce Holyrood's budget for it.
New research by University of Glasgow professor Morag Treanor, on behalf of Aberlour children's charity, One Parent Family Scotland and the Trussell Trust found the proposed reforms risk further disadvantaging households with a disabled child, and in particular lone parent families.
(Image: Getty/Derek McArthur) Low-income families receiving social security often have to pay significant amounts back due to things like universal credit advances, DWP loans and arrears for school meals.
The research found 53% of people with a disability had public debt or arrears, while 58% of lone parents with one or more disabled children did. 55% of children with a disability are in a lone parent family.
While 8% of lone parent families made at least one food bank request from 2022 to 2025, that rose to 17% for a lone parent with one or more disabled child and 18% for couples with one or more disabled child.
Those with a disability and children are most likely (19%) to seek or receive a referral to a food bank.
Charities have warned that cutting PIP is only likely to push such households further into poverty.
Aberlour Chief Executive, SallyAnn Kelly, said: "At Aberlour we believe reforming our welfare system is necessary especially if it helps people who are able to work get into employment. However, we are clear that reforms should always protect the most vulnerable and should be implemented in a manner that does not push more people into further and more entrenched poverty.
"This research suggests that this is exactly what could happen. We are urging the Government to think again and prevent this very harmful outcome by making changes that safeguard the most vulnerable families. Our research and work into public debt has outlined the struggles facing families and how the cost of living crisis is leading to millions of people lacking the means to pay for their basic needs and seeing them spiralling into debt, often to public bodies, as a consequence.
"If these reforms are introduced in their current shape this research strongly suggests that many of our most disadvantaged families will be pushed even deeper into debt. This must be avoided and we would urge the government to listen to what families are saying and make the necessary changes to their proposals - changes that will protect and safeguard families, provide additional support and avoid potentially catastrophic outcomes for millions of the most vulnerable people and their children."
Cara Hilton, senior policy manager for Scotland at Trussell, said: "The UK government's plans to slash support for disabled people who most need our collective protection from hunger is cruel and irresponsible. This research clearly shows that the right support can help prevent disabled families from falling into hardship. Cutting it is ill-considered and will leave more disabled people at risk of needing a food bank.
'One of the key findings of this research is that people in disabled households are twice as likely to be referred to a food bank than people in households without a disability. If the government chooses to go ahead with cuts, these figures will only get worse. Trussell's own analysis finds that 15,000 more people in disabled households in Scotland will be at risk of needing to use a food bank. But there is still time for the UK government to rethink and do what's right.'
Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland said: 'Many single parents, the majority of whom are mothers, are raising children alone and often without respite. When disability is also part of the equation, whether a child's or their own, the pressures multiply. This report clearly shows that these families are at significantly higher risk of accruing public debts, including council tax, benefits overpayments and energy arrears.
'At OPFS, we regularly hear from parents forced to rely on credit cards to cover basic needs like food and heating. Debt is not a result of poor budgeting, it is a direct consequence of inadequate income and rigid, punitive welfare policies.
'With the UK Government poised to introduce cuts to disability benefits, this report is a timely reminder that welfare reform must work to support, not penalise, families. We urgently need reforms that stop pulling vulnerable families under: a just approach to debt recovery, an end to harmful Universal Credit changes, and a commitment to policies that give families the stability and dignity they deserve.'
A Government spokesperson said: "We are determined to create a welfare system that supports people into work and out of poverty - backed by £1 billion to help sick or disabled people find good, secure jobs.
'We will never compromise on protecting people who need our support. Claims for disability benefits are rising much faster than the number of disabled people in our country and our reforms will put the social security system on a more sustainable footing to ensure it will always be there for those who will never be able to work."

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'Wales is being treated with contempt' say campaigners as bill on PIP presented in Westminster before Welsh consultation is held Wales is expected to be hardest hit by the proposed reforms People had decended to the streets of Cardiff and Swansea to protest against the proposed reforms to disability benefits (Image: Mark Lewis ) Activists campaigning against proposed reforms to disability benefits are furious after the concerned bill was tabled in Westminster before an in-person public consultation was held in Wales. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill was introduced in Westminster on June 18, 2025 — this was five days before a public consultation for Wales is held on Monday, June 23. Under the proposed UK government plans, people currently availing PIP will need to score at least four points in at at least one daily living activity to avail support for everyday tasks. ‌ Data released by Liberal Demoracts following a written parliamentary question, shows that currently, throughout Wales, every local authority has at least 80% of those receiving the standard rate of PIP at a risk of losing support with more than half of Welsh Local authorities seeing 90% at risk. ‌ Ben Golighty, a member of DPAC Cymru who is at risk of losing PIP under new reforms (Image: Shaurya Shaurya ) Wales is said to be particularly hard hit by the proposed reforms, making it more painful for campaigners that the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill was introduced before a public consultation is held here. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here 'I think it's outrageous. The consultation was always going to be unfair because half the proposals, like the most important proposals they were never up for discussion at all from the beginning,' said Ben Golighty, a member of Disabled People Againt Cuts (DPAC) Cymru. Article continues below 'And they'll be voting on it three days after the consultation ends, basically before the ink is even dry in the consultation responses, before they've had a chance to read it,' he said. 'It's just a mockery. They're not even pretending to listen. 'I think it treats disabled people with contempt, it treats Wales with contempt…It's outrageous that they're not listening to disabled people and carers.' The public consultation has already drawn ire from campaigners as it was cancelled once at the last minute by the venue. ‌ 'I think it's really important to note that whey they cancelled it, they didn't plan to reschedule it,' Ben said. 'The original one was it was totally inaccessible, it was so badly organised, it was basically disability discrimination and the only reason we have one at all now is because Disabled People Against Cuts protested, we got media scrutiny and we got a member of the Senedd to wave a letter in the Welsh Parliament. 'So the only reason we have a consultation in Wales at all is because we forced them to do better and I think it's just another example of how badly we've been treated.' A DWP spokesperson has said: 'It is crucial that the views and voices of sick or disabled people across Wales are at the heart of our reforms, which is why we've rescheduled a consultation event in Cardiff after it was cancelled by the venue. ‌ 'We are determined to create a welfare system that supports people into work and out of poverty. That is why we have today introduced a Bill to Parliament to reform the welfare system, putting social security spending on a more sustainable footing while ensuring protection for those who need it most. 'We will continue to look at the specific impacts for those living in Wales as we seek to support people back into work if they are able, while also protecting those who rely on our social security system.' Many people on PIP says they will be pushed into poverty if their support is withdrawn (Image: Mark Lewis ) ‌ DPAC Cymru members have also expressed their discontent at some of the language used by Labour leaders, and have alleged that they have received 'copy paste' replies from their MPs when they have sought a meeting regarding the proposed changes. 'MPs would be telling us, 'don't worry, take part in the consultation'. The consultation was always going to be unfair, but, the bill is in parliament before the consultation has even ended. The consultation isn't enough,' Ben said. 'So there's got to be that leadership from MPs who're supposed to be representing us. Also, in particular, we just need clear answers from them and not copy and paste responses.' He added: 'A lot of Labour MPs and ministers have been able to go on the news and say quite offensive things like Rachael Reeves comparing disability benefits to children's pocket money. ‌ 'She never actually apologised. The news headline said she apologised, but she didn't. And I think disabled people should be able to have a right of reply and should be able to argue.' Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones had been criticised for drawing up an analogy between the disability benefits and children's pocket money, for which he had later apologised. When asked about the chief Secretary's comments by LBC, Chancellor Rachel Reeves had said: "My children and the chief secretary's children are too young, but if you have a 16-year-old and you say, 'Do you know what I'm not going to give you so much pocket money. I want you to go out to work'. ‌ "And then the OBR [Office for Budget Responsibility] does an impact assessment and says your child is going to be worse off - well, they're going to be worse off if they don't go and get themselves a Saturday job. "But if they do go and get themselves a Saturday job, they'll probably be better off and they probably might enjoy it as well. Now, I know, that's not the right analogy, but there are lots of people who have a disability that are desperate to work." Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has refused making comments comparing PIP to children's pocket money (Image: Getty Images ) ‌ When Ms Reeves was later asked at a select committee if she would apologise for for the minister's comments, which it was said that she repeated, she replied: 'The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has apologised for the clumsy language that he used. "It wasn't the right language. I was asked a specific question, I did not, first of all hear, the previous interview of the chief secretary and so the question to me was put about pocket money but it's not a right analogy and apologies have already been made.' When asked if she would apologise for the comments that she made, the Chancellor said: 'I don't think I made the same comments but that analogy of comparing pocket money and personal independence payment is clearly not right.' ‌ DPAC Cymru members have also expressed particular discontent with Swansea West MP Torsten Bell, who they accuse of calling them 'keyboard warriors' and have alleged that the minister has refused to have a discussion with them on numerous occasions. However, the a spokesperson for Mr Bell has refuted all their claims and has said that his statements have been taken out of context. A spokesperson for Torsten Bell has said: 'It is simply untrue that Torsten has refused to meet with Swansea DPAC. Torsten has been meeting regularly with constituents about proposed changes to the welfare system and will continue to do so – as individuals and as part of groups. ‌ 'Every constituent that has approached our office asking for a meeting has been offered one. This is the same approach as taken by neighbouring MPs, and is in accordance with strict rules that prohibit MPs from pursuing issues raised by people who are not resident in their constituency.' A placard held at the DPAC Cymru protest in May, accusing Mr Bell of avoiding the campaign group (Image: Shaurya Shaurya ) Ben from DPAC Cymru said: 'On the day of the spring statement when we had our protest in Swansea, and there were like dozens and dozens of comments from disabled people. ‌ 'Because the spring statement, all the focus was on the disability cuts. So it was taken very badly by lots of disabled people on the day." 'Then later he used the word burden in the context of carers, which disabled people are quite sensitive about that word,' Ben said. 'It's one that most guidelines about language say you shouldn't really use that word, so that was one we pointed out to him. Without acknowledging it, when the media asked questions about it, he deleted that many called us liars.' Ben said: 'I just think there's no need. He's using this language all the time... ‌ 'Recently, just about a week ago, he made a video and he attacked what he called garbage meme muppets and recently as well, he was talking to pension economists and he called them cheap and lazy. He's accused us of saying things that are disgracefully untrue, spreading falsehoods, liars.' The Facebook post by MP Torsten Bell where DPAC member says the word 'burden' was used in context of carers for disabled people (Image: Facebook Screengrab Torsten Bell MP ) The Swansea West Labour Party post, where DPAC say they were called "keyboard warriors" (Image: Facebook Screengrab Swansea West Labour Party ) ‌ The spokesperson for Mr Bell added: 'The proposed changes to disability and incapacity benefits need to be discussed in a manner reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the issue. Torsten will continue to do that with constituents and always encourages people to get in touch. 'Torsten has categorically never used this language to describe disabled people. These quotes are made-up, using language that was never used in the context of this issue, but will cause real distress to some extremely vulnerable people.' As of now, and according to figures released by Liberal Democrats post their written parliamentary question, 90.19% of PIP claimants recieiving the standard rate in Mr Bell's constituency, Swansea West scored less than four points in daily living activities, meaning they are at risk of losing support. ‌ 'It'll [proposed bill] push people away from work. They've mentioned the so-called support that's going to help people. They haven't said what that will be yet,' Ben said. 'They're cutting support before they've even told us what they're going to help people with.' He added: 'I don't think it'll even save money. You know it's supposed to be about cuts, about saving money for taxpayer. I don't think it will even do that. A lot of government departments and a lot of economists have warned it's not going to save the money they think it will. 'All I think it's about is, it's quite cynical, I think they think it is about votes, it is about electoral strategy from the Labour Party.' ‌ Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has said: '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. 'This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. 'This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.' ‌ Phil Coleman says he'll be pushed into poverty with the new disability reforms (Image: Shaurya Shaurya ) Phil Coleman, 58, from Pontardawe, who once thrived as a maintenance technician at Swansea's National Waterfront Museum is now grappling with the debilitating effects of long-Covid, unable to continue his work. Now reliant on benefits and his life savings for income, he told WalesOnline during the DPAC postest in Swansea against the proposed reforms in May this year: "I've got long Covid, and I got long Covid three years ago. Before that, I was a very fit, healthy person, and I've paid tax and national insurance for 40 years. ‌ "So I feel I've already paid into the system. So I think it's absolutely atrocious now that the benefits of some of the most vulnerable people in society are being cut." He emphasised the difficulty he faces if his financial support is slashed further. Phil outlined: "I'm on a benefit, I'm on employment support allowance, which is not a lot of money. It's great and I'm lucky that I've got savings because I've worked for 40 years and I am actually using my savings because the benefit is not enough to live on. It's as simple as that. It [reduction in benefits] will plunge me into poverty, basically." ‌ Addressing his bleak retirement prospects, he shared: "I'm 10 years off retiring. I've been denied early retirement on grounds of ill health because at the moment I've been told, 'Well, you've got long Covid, you could get better.' "I also have a heart problem that was caused by long Covid. So I can't retire early. If likely I lose my benefit... that's my only income at the moment." You can read more about the experiences of those on PIP at risk of losing support by clicking here. Article continues below