Today, as government borrowing costs remain punishingly high, panicked Chancellor Rachel Reeves will try to reassure the markets that the government is growing the economy and cutting the benefits bill.

We'll update this page with any information about benefits changes as soon as we get it.

Reeves is speaking now, she says:

"We will deliver fundamental reform of our welfare system.  That includes looking at areas that have been ducked for too long, like the rising cost of health and disability benefits. And the secretary of state for work and pensions will set out our plans to address this ahead of the Spring statement."

Will there be more?

No, it seems there won't. 

However, there are motions by both Rachel Reeves and Liz Kendall on the welfare cap this afternoon.  Reeves  told the Sun on Sunday that she will “expose how the Conservatives lost complete control of the benefits bill – with a project overspend of more than £8 billion”.

So, there may be more on benefits to come.  We'll keep this page open for the rest of the day, just in case.

Alison McGovern minister for unemployment is standing in for Rachel Reeves and Liz Kendall. 

She says she is never disappointed in her work coaches, the thing that lets them down is the system they work within.

It's on Parliament TV from 16.14 at this link:

https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/e4026aea-0691-4880-8957-3db8c8d0825f

 McGovern explains that the Conservatives have breached the welfare spending cap by £8 billion.

She appears to be claiming that the move from ESA to UC is the cause of much of the rise in benefits spending, because of the hard separation between the level of benefit for those capable of work and those with LCWRA.

She also says that you cannot have a functioning social security system if the health service is not functioning.  For example being told you can only see someone for 10 minutes, having to do numerous admin checks that could be done with modern technology.

We are hearing a great deal about getting people into work, but nothing about changes to the WCA and PIP. Instead, McGovern refers once again to the Green Paper to be published in the Spring, even though Rachel Reeves has said "we’re setting out our detailed plans before Easter".

She confirms that Labour will keep the welfare cap, which is intended to limit the amount that is spent overall on social security.

 It's notable that the house is almost empty.  Jeremy Corbyn has asked questions of the minister.

She moves onto fraud.

And that seems to be it.

There's a link to the written statements by Liz Kendall here

 

 

Comments

Write comments...
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Alison’s saying well done to her slave driver gremlins as she demands human rights become negotiable. Why doesn’t she get done for contravening the modern slavery act?
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    As I thought they are thinking of targeted those in the LCWRA group 

    They are absolutely pure evil.



    Some sickness benefit claimants will have to look for work, minister hints


    Minsters have hinted some on sickness and disability benefits will lose exemptions from looking for work under welfare reforms.

    The Government said it would bring forward earlier intervention to stop people leaving employment after it revealed it is on course for an £8bn welfare overspend.



    To read the full  article once you click on link immediately put your phone in airplane mode, it worked for me. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Should we not wait until government measures are in place, or at least until the proposals are clearly set out, then act accordingly? The way things are going we'll all be frightened to death before any changes are implemented. Let's try not to get caught up in the frenzy.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @sara agreed, there's little point in speculating further. The Govt could have at least not delayed their plans, unless they are going to be very far-reaching/comprehensive.  I would also suggest that only mainstream/credible news sites be used.  Given my age I am not really used to the level of disinformation now common on the internet
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @sara exactly, thank you11
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Article on disability news service “snap survey reveals disabled people’s fear and desperation….” Caroline Collier, chief executive of inclusion Barnet urges disabled people and allies to write to their mp to oppose cuts, using link from campaign for disability justice. I think this is really important, all of us, to do this, let’s fill their inbox with how we feel about this and our opposition to their stance and policy on welfare. Let’s do it, and do it in numbers.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    About before but what is the earliest they can introduce any of this? Won't they have to wait till the next parliament first or not?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Scorpion Scope the disability charity, said for this to go through all the steps needed, it could take a few years before it reaches the point of being implemented into law where it affects claimants.  I would tend to trust Scope, as their advisors are experts in disability matters.  (Universal Credit has taken 13 years to be rolled out to all claimants from the time it was introduced.)

      As I have stated before, it is essential, when people with mental health issues are on here, to be as positive as possible, otherwise people will just worry for the next one/two years!
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Neil Cook To turn their proposals into a law/act, which will pass, as currently Labour have a majority in the parliament and that most of the Tories are favourable for any measures on this issue, and thus will vote for, can take as short as a month. This time around, it'll certainly take longer than a month, as consultations will involve in this proposal, which will extend a few months. By law it cannot exceed a year.

      To implement the law/act, it all depends on how hurry or relaxed they're.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    This is getting out of hand it really is I am genuinely terrified, I just want to be left Alone with what I get because I cannot cope in any way shape or form any other way than I am now. 

    Sorry bout this for founding so depressing but i can't help it
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @darinfan This is a great comment.  Needs to be repeated.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @darinfan Thank you!  This is exactly what I have been saying.  There are some here who always put the worst case scenario and that is cruel, when dealing with vulnerable people.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Scorpion As I told you above, this was Scope who said this to me, the disability charity experts, who said by the time everything went through Parliament, with the challenges, and then went into implementation around the country to the point it reached claimaints, it could take a few years.   Practically, whether they are relaxed or not, it would take a long time to implement the changes in changing the function of Job Centres/employing and training more staff!

      As seen by some of the comments on here, it is essential to be positive.  Those without severe mental ill health might not understand, but comments stating the worst case scenario could be really damaging!  Even in a very serious way! 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @axab43 " They also said all of this could take years to go through.."

      For a bill or proposed law to go through and become a law known as an act can take  as short as less than a month. And to implement the act, it depends on how hurry or relaxed they're are. to get things done.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Neil Cook SAME  here i 61 payed 42 yrs class 1 tax/ ni (paye ) . due to indutistial accident 39 yrs back . NOW  have 2nd degen changes for life start stenosis . MOBILITY DISABILTY . SO  cant go far do much . RELY  on car mobility . AS  law pay 35 yrs CLASS1 NI (PAYE )  Gets u full New state oap  but can t  claim it to age 66 rising  SO  you can only claim  WHAT  you payed in for via NI  over 42 yrs  in working world .  out money payed in =insurance .   UC & £416   mouth (LCWRA) .  GOVERTNMENTS  dont look & it like that . LABOUR / 2024  Keir& racheal , SWUNG   labour central to right  more so than TONY BLAIR  1997-2010.  LIKE   you i want be just left alone , NOT  bullied , forced  to retrain, Back to work place for next  4/ 5 yrs . WE UNFIT  TO  CANT WORK .  WHAT  does labour 2024 NOT  understand ?????.  TRY  stay stroung   & fight  1920s victortian workhouses return, 100 yrs out date . J ust more brutal TORY / BLUE  austerity , cuts for OAPS ,  DISABLED FOL.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    A Paul McCartney lyric says it all..We All Stand Together......aaaahhhhhh
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Universal credit barriers mean disabled women face ‘terrifying’ risk of destitution, MPs are warned https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/universal-credit-barriers-mean-disabled-women-face-terrifying-risk-of-destitution-mps-are-warned/
    Not sure if this is of any interest to you all.  But I've posted it anyway. 
    Haven't been on here in such a long time. Found some very interesting comments. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @James h Job centre is easy no problem forms also straightforward
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Gazilla And I agree Anyone at the pointy end of their proposals will get it in the neck IF it all comes through. Regardless of Gender. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @James h Hopefully it will be straightforward for you. Let us know how you get on. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Gazilla @Gazilla read the link.it also states ALL disabled people.But these are a womans group putting forward their stories. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @The Dogmother Why just focus on women ? It's serious that both genders risk becoming destitute over this scummy government 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Just seen an article in the I paper (not sure how much credence I would give to this) but it seems the thrust of Labour's welfare is going to be on those with health issues currently not working, being expected to look for work, ie an expansion on conditionality which forms a core element of standard UC 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Scorpion I retract this, as I was wrong. I'm sorry. What Matt has said actually comes from the mouth of Alison McGovern.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @darinfan The only one who has said that is Matt, because when I googled this, it was only his comment that came up.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @darinfan That is what is implied in a lot of the articles published and news headlines.  It is what people fear and why there is fear on here.   The problem with mental ill health, which Labour seem to constantly belittle or describe as not serious, is people with mental ill health see the worst case scenarios.  Put that with all the headlines/scaremongering, they are going to think they will be targetted and forced to go out to work when they literally just cannot go out!  
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @axab43 That isn't what was said.   NOBODY has ever said that everyone will have to look for work, no matter what the severity of their health and disability problems.  
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Matt So if people have long term mental health issues, due many differing things, and cannot leave the house, they expect them to look for work?  When their physical and mental health means they cannot even walk down the road without help?

      Good luck with that
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Health Transformation Programme…. Now on DWP website…. This I think will be the future.
     
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Nic This is an evaluation going on around the country that won't even be completed until the Autumn.  Then there is how long it takes for all the findings to be processed, put through the Government.  Far too early to worry about (wish I hadn't read it myself!)
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Nic Yes, in their dreams.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    S you are very welcome indeed you helped to calm me down a bit as well which I am very grateful for.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    The big issue claims that Disability benefits are more positive for the economy than costly, economists have found, as the government pledges to slash the welfare bill to save money.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @HRH You don't hear the Labour government talking about "slashing" the wealth from big multi-national co-operations and wealthy billionares. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    My last post: apologies for resending, a very kind contributor has already replied to the effect that they think that even if PIP is means tested, I would qualify under the benefit cap. It would be really helpful if the Government would just gone with it and publish their Green Paper.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @YogiBear This is just my opinion, and I want to clarify that nothing I have read suggests they plan to means-test PIP. However, I believe it is something they might consider, and I can see the potential justification for it. For example, if someone is receiving only PIP and LCW/LCWRA, compared to someone in full-time employment who also receives PIP, an argument could be made that the latter—especially those earning £28,000 or more, and in some cases significantly more—may be better able to cover the additional costs of disability without relying on PIP. Since PIP is designed to cover these extra costs, this distinction could be a point of debate, particularly when comparing higher earners to individuals who rely solely on PIP at the enhanced daily living and/or enhanced mobility rates, as well as UC with LCW/LCWRA.

      If they introduced means-testing to PIP, either based on earnings or savings, then yes, unfortunately, a lot of people would lose out. However, as I mentioned, an argument could be made that many of those affected would be in a better financial position to cover the extra costs of disability—or at least in a far better position to do so than someone who relies on both LCW/LCWRA and PIP, and isn't able to work. That could potentially save a lot of money, and provide for those who're most in need.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @MJ I think you may be on to something...
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @MJ There's only one YogiBear. :)
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @YogiBear Are you two related bears? Pooh and Yogi? Or just a coincidence? :D
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Pious That makes too much sense. So they probably won't. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Hello all, to follow on from a previous comment by me to explain that I do get PIP and am employed as well, although salary barely above minimum wage. If I lose PIP (standard care and mobility) then it is going to be VERY hard to live on the salary alone. I live in the South West, a notoriously bad area for pay, and the cost of living, especially housing, extortionate (and I've got a good landlady). 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Bert  @Bert. we have a comedian here!
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Matt Have you thought about relocating too the north plenty of cheap houses in Newcastle Sunderland Middlesbrough etc
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Sorry ....... I just simply cannot get all of you out of heart and my minds eye ! honest ... I can be no more profound x 
    You are all my family ... every one of you ... deny you ... and turn you away never . x 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    why do terrible things happen to good decent people , I am lost and I have never hurt an animal or living soul. I hate wordsmith 's twisting words professional politicians who know nothing about mental illness , o they may cut and slash and feign false witness against my wonderful disabled family . Everything I believed in is gone now . Sacrificed on the alter of misguided political opinion . For what headlines , politicians talking about things they know prevcious little about . To balance the books on the sufferings of poor poor souls I know the struggles every single day , just to smile and be at peace just before the heavens fall and the heavens have fallen in this yesterday . Disabled girl boy woman man if you could but only know how much I love and respect you all , no exceptions all of you my erudite in word and deed , sometimes funny to read all of you sometimes tears just flow to be part of all your stories , to be l blessed In all of your gracious companies . We fight and we fight on , you here me all children , I know to be betrayed ,, just no words .. for an ideology that goes against all gods teachings .. you in your small corner and I in mine x
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @S It hasn't happened yet.  Everything that has been discussed here on this issue since July is speculation - and often seems to be intentionally blown out of proportion and designed to scare the crap out of each other.  
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    I'm on esa and pip due to physical illness, but all this 'green paper', 'ruthless cuts', ' welfare reform 'and vilifying of the sick and disabled is taking a massive toll on my mental health. 
    They(starmer, reeves, kendall)are making us more ill....but that's what they want !!!!!!!

    The audacity and cruelty of them taking from the most vulnerable, while they get their allowances  and extra heating allowance for their second homes....while us disabled and pensioners are surviving on a pittance and now have to worry about  potential destitution and possible homelessness in the near future. 

    It's disgraceful. 

    I emailed my local labour mp a while ago but she hasn't even the decency to acknowledge my concerns. 

    They can all go to hell.
    There will NEVER BE ANOTHER LABOUR GOVERNMENT. And as a lifelong Labour voter, I say...GOOD RIDDANCE. 

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Pooh "Apparently a lot of what Labour may be implementing was already on the table for the Conservatives if they had stayed in power"
       Indeed, but that doesn't mean to say that Labour had to follow through with them though.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Rose Yes, but those terms are coming from newspapers and other members.  It's not coming from the government.  Yes, benefits will change at some point.  In some way.  But nobody yet knows when or how or by how much.  So, try to look away, probably avoid this place (or at least the comments) and worry about it if and when it happens.  
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Pooh
      Not a single person recieving PIP is faking their claim:

      "Personal independence payment (PIP) fraud stood at 0% in the financial year ending 2024."

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Pooh Yes a 56 mil fraud in UC was uncovered this year, it was made by Bulgarians who sent the cash home. Situation was only tumbled when an alert Bulgarian policeman noticed them flashing the cash over there. "Deserving" and "undeserving" labels were applied when the Victorian Poor Laws were in effect. So a moral judgement on who deserved help and who didn't. We can't morally judge the sick and disabled but the tabloids will. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Rose Yes, me too. And glad I did not vote for this lot.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Thus government and ALL the previous governments have lost the grip of running this country- let’s start with the money wasting and I do mean wasting taxpayers MONEY, look at the the councils, public sectors, civil servants, House of Lords, NHS and the military defence and I could add a few more have wasted taxpayers money running into billions and we are really talking about BILLIONS a huge amount of money which could have be used in a more impartial prudent ideas. I gather when this government came into power (so they say) that they have a twenty billion black hole to balance the economy or put this country on track - simple just tax the super wealthy the very richest of people in this country that’s a fraction in this country of one percent tax (1%) and the black hole this government keeps howling on about will disappear, instead they going for the huge majority of this country of the working people, pensioners, businesses, people having to wait longer on the NHS, the vulnerable society on life saving benefits and many more…
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Frances Not if their using common sense. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Robin Hood Totally agree. Their making the wrong decisions and penalising the poor and those on benefits for their economic incompetence. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Robin Hood Universal Basic Income …Now!
      A major shift like the start of the welfare state, because this most definitely isn’t working anymore, and it’s cruel and inhumane. It’s turned our society into a hateful one.
      I know they say trials have found it not to be workable, so fix it so it is. It can’t be any worse than this shambles, and we need a total change of direction.
      Don’t just change gears, change cars! Let’s do something different and get some fresh hope into the country. 

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Frances Predictable
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Robin Hood Ever since we left the EU our GDP have fallen big style so all these plans to get disabled into work seems to me they have not got the money anymore I'm afraid the economy will not grow like we were in the EU I think the country might of made a big mistake leaving I'm dreading what they have in store I'm an amputee and severe arthritis but nothing anyone can do but wait to see what happens 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    Don't lose hope yet there's still MPs charities  ect who talk about concerns for disabled  people and I think the activists will just take it back to court if this war on disabled people doesn't stop it has been going on years if you look back over the years these changes were put forward but nothing happened there's more noise now from reeves but but at this point it doesn't mean much when listening to the debate there was no body saying they will just strip people the bits I got from it was poverty and a proper plan is needed I'm sure I heard in a round about way that everything won't just happen over night and if they got to update jobcentres and get people who can get better with right support sorted that won't be easy it would be silly to make announcements this year for cuts if nothing is ready and reeves was blasted in debate in her absence for messing with fiscal rules and there were 4 people arguing against  cuts I think this is being debated again .
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Lill And don't lose hope yet because EVERYTHING is just pure speculation.  We are ALL in a better place than nine months ago when it looked like PIP would turn to a voucher scheme.  That's NOT going to happen.  So that's a bonus to start with.  Yes, benefits are changing, but they're ALWAYS changing - and they need to change given that there's double the amount of people claiming health benefits compared to 2020.  That isn't viable, whether we like it or not.  And the welfare bill has breached is spending by £8bn this year.  BUT Liz Kendall today said:  "Whilst this Government has already shown that it will not shy away from difficult decisions, this breach could only have been addressed through implementing immediate and severe cuts to welfare spending. THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE RIGHT COURSE OF ACTION.” (my caps for emphasis).  So that at least is a good start.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    For goodness incorporate a disability working element (similar to what they had in tax credits) to UC.

    LCW at the same as a standard unemployed is a disgrace as well.

    Take away the fear of losing about £400 a month if you even attempt to try work.

    The amount of people doing nothing because of that fear is large I would say.

    I worked part time the best I could and could survive thanks to the tax credits top up.

    If you think I am now gonna attempt to work and lose £400 you must be joking no way!  I literally can't afford to take the risk.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Sandy F So agree.  The biggest barrier to work is the DWP/Gov. 

      I am guessing more hoop to jump through rather than any realistic policies that would allow some to contribute. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Sandy F Doing such a thing would mean PIP would become a out of work benefit!

Free PIP, ESA & UC Updates!

Delivered Fortnightly

Over 110,000 claimants and professionals subscribe to the UK's leading source of benefits news.

 
iContact