My Update on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill

I am writing to update you on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) bill, as there have been significant developments since my last statement on Wednesday, 25 June.

I also want to explain my recent voting decisions, particularly my decision to abstain. This is something I have always disliked in principle so I feel it’s only right that I’m transparent about why I chose to do this yesterday.

As I said in my last update: I could not support the bill as it stood. Since the Secretary of State first introduced these proposals I’ve been working hard, often behind the scenes and alongside colleagues, to push for a better approach. I’ve consistently raised my concerns and the fears of many of many of my constituents with ministers and other senior figures, urging them to rethink the proposed policies.

I was encouraged to receive confirmation, late last week, that the government had listened and made several positive changes to the bill and its policies. So what are those changes?

1. The health top-up for Universal Credit will not be frozen for existing recipients or for new claimants with severe health conditions or nearing the end of life.

2. There will be an additional £300 million invested over the next three years to support sick and disabled people into work.

3. There will be a full review of the PIP assessment process, the “Timms Review”. Most importantly, this will be co-produced with disabled people, their organisations, clinicians and other experts.

4. The proposed new PIP rules (including the 4-point requirement) will not apply to current recipients. 

I particularly welcome this last change as I specifically raised this issue with the Secretary of State on Monday. Many people in Amber Valley currently rely on PIP and were, understandably, extremely anxious about potential changes, not knowing how they would cope without it. This change means that no existing claimants will lose this vital benefit and that related benefits, like Carer’s Allowance, will also remain unaffected.

These changes showed that the government was listening and responding to concerns. However I was still troubled about the timing, particularly that the Timms Review might not be completed before the new PIP rules are due to start for new claimants, in November 2026. It is vital that disabled people’s voices are central to this process.

Reflecting on this bill and my responsibility as Amber Valley’s representative, I revisited the Labour Party’s manifesto, upon which I was proud to stand as your Member of Parliament. In particular:

“Labour is committed to championing the rights of disabled people and to the principal of working with them, so that their views and voices will be at the heart of all we do.”

In view of this, yesterday morning I informed the government that I intended to vote against the bill at its second reading. There was then a further development. In response to MP’s representations on behalf of their constituents, the Minister announced that the government would amend the bill next week to remove the PIP provisions entirely.

This means there will be no changes to current PIP rules until the Timms Review is completed and, most importantly, all changes will be formulated in partnership with the disabled community.

How I Voted

There were two votes yesterday evening:

The first was a backbench amendment, designed to kill the bill in its entirety. I voted against this.

Most people agree that the welfare system urgently needs to be reformed. It does not serve those who need it nor is it sustainable, with around 1,000 new PIP claims every day. Delaying this process would prolong uncertainty and anxiety for many.  

The bill also contains many important measures I would not want to see delayed:

·       the first-ever sustained, above-inflation rise in Universal Credit

·       a £1bn investment in health, skills and work support

·       The Right to Try, a new legal guarantee allowing those who receive benefits to try a job, without the risk of losing their benefits or being automatically reassessed if it doesn’t work out

·       Ending reassessments for those with conditions that mean they will never be able to work

·       Ensuring those with severe conditions, or near the end of life, receive the same higher rate of Universal Credit as everyone else.

The second vote was on the bill itself. I abstained. This does not mean that I wasn’t present at the debate, I was in in the Chamber up until the vote, nor does it mean that I couldn’t make up my mind.

As I said, there is much that is good in the bill and I did not wish to block these positive changes, nor hold up vital reform of the welfare system.

As a former lawyer, it is my nature to check the small print and I will be reviewing the Government’s amendments carefully once an amended bill is available. If I am satisfied that the Government has delivered on the commitments it’s made, I intend to support the bill when it returns to the House next week.

My top priority has always been to protect the most vulnerable constituents. I am relieved that the revised plans now offer greater security and peace of mind for those most at risk.

The Government’s commitment to work with disabled people, advocacy groups and MPs, throughout the review process, is a significant step forward. If done properly, it will mark a step-change in how decisions are made in this country.

This process must be inclusive, evidence-based, and focused on real outcomes. Most importantly, it must be fair and have disabled people, and the organisations that support them. at the heart of all decision making.

I will remain fully engaged to ensure we get this right for our community and will always hold the government to account when necessary, in the service of the people of Amber Valley.

Thank you for trusting me to represent you.

With best wishes,

Linsey Farnsworth

Linsey Farnsworth MP