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The National
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Labour is a fiction, nothing more than a branding
The SNP have urged Anas Sarwar to whip Labour's Scottish MPs to vote against the Government's planned benefits cuts, which the British Government's own analysis estimates will push 250,000 disabled and chronically ill people into poverty, including 50,000 children. However, disability rights campaign group Disability Rights UK, anti-poverty charity and think tank Trussel, and economics think tank WPI Economics all calculate that the Government's analysis significantly underestimates the number of disabled people who will be pushed into poverty as a consequence of these cuts. They believe that the true number is in excess of 400,000. Thousands of disabled people are expected to lose their entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the main benefit for disabled people in England and Wales, under Labour's plan to change the eligibility criteria for the benefit. The plan will introduce a new eligibility requirement which will mean that only those who score a minimum of four points in at least one activity will be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. To be eligible for PIP, claimants must score a minimum of eight points assessed on the help they need across a range of daily living activities such as food preparation, bathing and showering, toileting, dressing, eating, and taking medication. Many people make up the eight points by scoring one or two across different categories, but under the new plans only those scoring four in one category will be eligible. If a claimant does not score four in a single category, the points they score in other categories will be discounted. Note that this change does nothing to help disabled people into work, the stated aim of the Government's cuts; it merely reclassifies disabled people as no longer being disabled for the purposes of eligibility for PIP. The needs of disabled people remain the same. (Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA) One of the more pernicious effects of this change follows from the fact that PIP is a so-called passport benefit – eligibility for other benefits depends on eligibility for PIP. Carers Allowance is paid to those who care for a disabled person in receipt of PIP, or Attendance Allowance, its equivalent for retired people. If the disabled person loses their eligibility for PIP, eligibility for Carer's Allowance is lost too. Far from providing an incentive to the disabled person to find work, this will make it far more difficult for them to cope with daily living and far more difficult to get into work. Disability campaigners have warned that the cuts will not save the Government money as they will simply force disabled people, whose very real needs remain unchanged, to turn to other services such as the already over-stretched NHS and adult social services. Any politician with a social conscience or a basic understanding of disability should vigorously oppose these harmful and damaging cuts, but with the honourable exception of Alloa and Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman, Labour's Scottish contingent in Westminster are a supine bunch of careerists whose contribution to Commons debates consists of attacking the Scottish Government on devolved issues. Of course Anas Sarwar, the nominal leader of the Labour party in Scotland, should instruct Labour's Scottish MPs to vote against these cruel and counterproductive cuts, but he won't, because he too is a supine careerist, installed in his current job by the right wing of the Labour party precisely because he'd do Keir Starmer's bidding. Sarwar defends the cuts, because he believes what Starmer tells him to believe. But even if Sarwar finds a backbone and opposes the cuts, he has no authority over Labour's Scottish MPs in Westminster and no means of enforcing how they vote in the Commons. "Scottish Labour" is a political fiction, nothing more than a branding exercise. Labour MPs elected in Scotland are subject to the UK Labour whip. They do not constitute a cohesive voting bloc in the Commons. They are part and parcel of the UK Parliamentary Labour Party. Anas Sarwar couldn't whip up a cream cake, never mind Labour's Scottish MPs. At First Minister's Questions today, John Swinney tore into Sarwar's attacks on him as "the performance of a weak man" after asking two rather desultory questions about Alexander Dennis moving bus production to England and suggesting that Swinney's leadership was under threat. Sarwar accused Swinney of pressing the "big panic independence button" to "save his skin", after the First Minister made a speech on his desire for self-determination this week. (Image: Andrew Milligan) Swinney retorted: "Isn't it interesting that Mr Sarwar's interest in the workers of Alexander Dennis lasted two questions and then he gets on to his usual posturing in this Parliament of little substance that is before us. Israel discovers war crimes Meanwhile, Israel has suddenly discovered that launching missiles into hospitals is a war crime after an Iranian missile struck a hospital in the southern Israeli city of Be'er Sheva. Iranian state media has claimed that the missile targeted a military site next to the hospital and not the medical facility itself. Israel's deputy foreign affairs minister Sharren Haskel has called Iran's strike on the hospital "deliberate" and "criminal", while the Israeli health minister Uriel Buso said it was a war crime. But apparently, it's perfectly fine for Israel to bomb hospitals in Gaza on the supposed grounds that they are targeting Hamas operations in or near the hospital.
The National
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Independent MPs table amendment to scrap welfare bill
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which is due to be debated by MPs next month, would change the eligibility criteria for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit in a bid to save £5 billion a year by the end of the decade. If passed, the changes would make it harder for people with disabilities to claim benefits, and the UK Government's own analysis has found that the cuts would push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children. On Thursday, the Independent Alliance – which consists of Corbyn, Shockat Adam, Adnan Hussain, Ayoub Khan and Iqbal Mohamed – tabled an amendment to decline a second reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, on the grounds that it "fails to provide a fair and compassionate approach to reforming disability benefits", Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn (Image: PA) The amendment also states that the bill "does not include measures that have been developed together with people with disabilities and carers, or informed by robust evidence and consultation". It adds that the bill 'has not been designed to uphold the dignity, independence and security of people who rely on the welfare system.' READ MORE: 'A weak man': John Swinney tears into Anas Sarwar after leadership jibe Alongside the Independent Alliance, the amendment has also gained the support of Zarah Sultana MP, who was suspended from Keir Starmer's party last July after voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Commenting on the amendment, Corbyn said the UK Government's "attack on disabled people" is "disgusting and disgraceful". He added: "MPs should think long and hard about the dreadful consequences these cuts will have. 'MPs must decide: did you become an MP so you could to push thousands of disabled people into poverty?' It comes amid reports that Labour MPs are set to be blacklisted for Government jobs if they fail to back the welfare cuts. The National reported how rebels face the prospect of having the party whip suspended if they vote against the plans, while those considering abstaining have been warned they will not be considered for promotion.
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
New PIP claims worth up to £187 every week could help people with these health issues
PIP and Adult Disability Payment are providing financial support for 3.7 million people across Great Britain. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - information The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now over 3.7 million people across Great Britain receiving additional financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Similarly, data published by Social Security Scotland this week indicates over 476,200 people are now receiving Adult Disability Payment (ADP), the devolved benefit which has replaced PIP north of the border. Over the 2025/26 financial year, PIP and ADP will provide weekly support of between £29.20 and £187.45, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Both disability benefits are designed to help with the additional costs of living with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. Many people may be unaware that PIP and ADP can provide support for over 530 health conditions. Both benefits could help people with daily living tasks or moving around, or both. However, it would not be beneficial to list all 536 conditions recorded by DWP during the PIP application process as an award for the disability benefit is determined by how a person's health condition affects their ability to perform daily living tasks such as cooking, washing, eating, dressing and engaging with other people in a safe and timely way. There are also awards to help if you have difficulty moving around. This means that every claim for PIP or ADP is unique for each applicant, which could also help people thinking about making a new claim to start the process. Below is a full overview of PIP and ADP, including the five most-claimed conditions and the main disabling conditions, as classified by the DWP. PIP cannot be backdated, but payments start from the date the claim was submitted, to cover the handling time at the DWP. Total number of categories, recorded by DWP: Disability category - 21 Disability Sub Group - 178 Disability - 536 Five most-claimed PIP health conditions The five most commonly recorded disabling conditions for claims under normal rules are: Psychiatric disorder - 39% of claims Musculoskeletal disease (general) - 19% of claims Neurological disease - 13% of claims Musculoskeletal disease (regional) - 12% of claims Respiratory disease - 4% of claims PIP and ADP provide weekly support of between £29.20 and £187.45, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Both disability benefits are designed to help people with the additional costs of living with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. Many people may be unaware that PIP and ADP can provide support for hundreds of health conditions. Both benefits could help people with daily living tasks or moving around, or both. However, it would not be beneficial to list all 536 conditions recorded by DWP during the PIP application process as an award for the disability benefit is determined by how a person's health condition affects their ability to perform daily living tasks such as cooking, washing, eating, dressing and engaging with other people in a safe and timely way. There are also awards to help if you have difficulty moving around. This means that every claim for PIP or ADP is unique for each applicant, which could also help people thinking about making a new claim to start the process. Below is a full overview of PIP and ADP, including the five most-claimed conditions and the main disabling conditions, as classified by the DWP. PIP cannot be backdated, but payments start from the date the claim was submitted, to cover the handling time at the DWP. Disabling conditions recorded by DWP These are the main disability categories, the umbrella term by which more than 530 other conditions fall under. This list is only an overview of conditions, disorders and diseases and how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed for. Haematological Disease Infectious disease Malignant disease Metabolic disease Psychiatric disorders Neurological disease Visual disease Hearing disorders Cardiovascular disease Gastrointestinal disease Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract Skin disease Musculoskeletal disease (general) Musculoskeletal disease (regional) Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) Genitourinary disease Endocrine disease Respiratory disease Multisystem and extremes of age Diseases of the immune system Unknown or missing Below is an overview of PIP and ADP. Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP can be found on the website here. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. preparing, cooking or eating food managing your medication washing, bathing or using the toilet dressing and undressing engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information making decisions about money planning a journey or following a route moving around There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here. DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How are PIP and ADP paid? PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26 You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant - find out more about the changes here. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP People can apply for ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Economic Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
1.5 million UK citizens could be out of the disability benefit net soon, new bill proposes drastic changes in eligibility criteria
File photo: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Synopsis The Labour government's new welfare bill proposes significant changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), potentially impacting around 1.5 million Britons. Under the new guidelines, the 'daily living' element of the benefit effectively will get harder to claim after the eligibility criteria are tightened. All applicants will receive points according to their ability limitations for each activity. Around 3.7 million Britons are currently availing the benefits of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which helps them with some extra money to take care of the cost incurred by living with an illness or disability. But that number is set to drastically come down as nearly 1.5 million people will soon lose the right to claim PIP benefits. ADVERTISEMENT The Labour government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer has introduced a new welfare bill revealing the full extent of the plans and roadmap to cut welfare for millions of disabled benefit claimants. This comes as the ruling party faces a crucial vote next month. An analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility and verified by The Independent, the latest bill is likely to take away the eligibility of around 1.5 million people who currently claim the benefit of PIP. The watchdog further states that the 'behavioural response' can possibly reduce this to around 800,000 people. It, however, acknowledged that this is a 'highly uncertain judgement'.The 'Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill' precisely explains what will happen to PIP claimants if they end up losing their entitlement under the new for Work and Pensions (DWP) secretary Liz Kendall had in March 2025 announced the proposed changes. ADVERTISEMENT Under the new guidelines, the 'daily living' element of the benefit effectively will get harder to claim after the eligibility criteria are to what has been happening till now, assessors will ascertain if an applicant has limited ability to conduct day-to-day activities. The assessment will be based on how the applicants carry out a range of activities. They will be awarded points based on how limited their ability is. ADVERTISEMENT All applicants will receive points according to their ability limitations for each activity. They will require eight overall to secure this element of the benefit at the basic rate and 12 for the however, will be different from November 2026, as the applicants will need to score at least four points in a single daily living activity to be allowed to avail this element of the benefit. The eight required points can no longer be spread across activities. ADVERTISEMENT The changes planned by the Labour government have received strong backlash from charities and campaign groups. According to The Independent, over 100 Labour MPs are likely considering voting against the government on the plans. ADVERTISEMENT If someone availing themselves of the benefits of PIP loses entitlement, they will not witness any reduction in it without attending a reassessment which takes place every three years on being invited for reassessment, for which attendance is mandatory, applicants will be assessed as before. However, the new points-scoring system will now things go south and someone ends up losing their entitlement due to legislation changes, it will not stop being paid at that rate immediately. Payments will continue at that level for 13 weeks as a 'transitional cover', according to the government press release. This will not be paid if the recipient moves abroad or is reassessed and becomes entitled again. 'The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will provide 13 weeks of additional financial security to existing claimants affected by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who lose eligibility to Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit,' the release read. After these 13 weeks, payments for the daily living part of the benefit will stop. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
1.5 million UK citizens could be out of the disability benefit net soon, new bill proposes drastic changes in eligibility criteria
Around 3.7 million Britons are currently availing the benefits of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which helps them with some extra money to take care of the cost incurred by living with an illness or disability. But that number is set to drastically come down as nearly 1.5 million people will soon lose the right to claim PIP benefits. The Labour government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer has introduced a new welfare bill revealing the full extent of the plans and roadmap to cut welfare for millions of disabled benefit claimants. This comes as the ruling party faces a crucial vote next month. An analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility and verified by The Independent, the latest bill is likely to take away the eligibility of around 1.5 million people who currently claim the benefit of PIP. The watchdog further states that the 'behavioural response' can possibly reduce this to around 800,000 people. It, however, acknowledged that this is a 'highly uncertain judgement'. The 'Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill' precisely explains what will happen to PIP claimants if they end up losing their entitlement under the new rules. Live Events Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) secretary Liz Kendall had in March 2025 announced the proposed changes. Under the new guidelines, the 'daily living' element of the benefit effectively will get harder to claim after the eligibility criteria are tightened. Similar to what has been happening till now, assessors will ascertain if an applicant has limited ability to conduct day-to-day activities. The assessment will be based on how the applicants carry out a range of activities. They will be awarded points based on how limited their ability is. All applicants will receive points according to their ability limitations for each activity. They will require eight overall to secure this element of the benefit at the basic rate and 12 for the higher. Things, however, will be different from November 2026, as the applicants will need to score at least four points in a single daily living activity to be allowed to avail this element of the benefit. The eight required points can no longer be spread across activities. Govt's plans face backlash The changes planned by the Labour government have received strong backlash from charities and campaign groups. According to The Independent, over 100 Labour MPs are likely considering voting against the government on the plans. What will happen if someone loses PIP entitlement? If someone availing themselves of the benefits of PIP loses entitlement, they will not witness any reduction in it without attending a reassessment which takes place every three years on average. After being invited for reassessment, for which attendance is mandatory, applicants will be assessed as before. However, the new points-scoring system will now apply. If things go south and someone ends up losing their entitlement due to legislation changes, it will not stop being paid at that rate immediately. Payments will continue at that level for 13 weeks as a 'transitional cover', according to the government press release. This will not be paid if the recipient moves abroad or is reassessed and becomes entitled again. 'The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will provide 13 weeks of additional financial security to existing claimants affected by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who lose eligibility to Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit,' the release read. After these 13 weeks, payments for the daily living part of the benefit will stop.
