Turn2us statement ahead of the UC and PIP Bill vote

"MPs are about to be asked to back a Bill that, even with concessions, will ultimately cut support for Disabled and seriously ill people. This is unfair and unjust.

"Universal Credit: New claimants would see the health element (LCWRA) halved and then frozen. Personal Independence Payment (PIP): New claimants would face reduced access to PIP, despite facing the same extra costs.

"Taken together, the plan bakes in a two-tier system: today’s claimants keep their support; tomorrow’s support evaporates. No impact assessment. No meaningful consultation. Just a fast-track to deeper hardship.

"So, before a single MP votes, we need three cast-iron promises from the Government:

• Park every Universal Credit (UC) or PIP cut until the PIP review is finished, published and fully debated.
• Publish a full impact assessment on the poverty that will be caused by these cuts.
• Design support for disabled people and those experiencing ill health with them.

"Government must not balance the books by weakening the safety net. Instead, it must build a system we can all rely on, just like the NHS. We urge MPs to oppose these cuts. The Government must stop this knee-jerk approach to policy, moving towards meaningful consultation and sustainable change."

Thomas Lawson, CEO, Turn2us