Islington Council debated proposed cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at its meeting on 10 July 2025, ultimately supporting an amended motion that seeks to balance concerns about the cuts with provisions for supporting disabled people into work.

The council considered motions on opposing cuts to PIP, supporting private renters, and embedding social value in procurement. After debate, the council voted to support an amended motion opposing the proposed cuts to PIP.

The amended motion addresses the original concerns regarding cuts to PIP but also incorporates elements such as the right to work for disabled people, sustained rises to universal credit, and a review of PIP led by Stephen Timms. The amendment focuses on Islington, removing a reference to Plymouth.

Councillor Phil Graham proposed the original motion opposing the Labour Government's proposed £5 billion cuts to PIP, arguing they would negatively impact disabled people, their families, local authorities, and the NHS. He urged fellow councillors to vote for the original motion to send a strong message to the government.

Councillor Benali Hamdache seconded the motion, calling the proposed cuts a deep, deep stain on this Labour government's record. He referenced his experience working for Parkinson's UK and witnessing the struggles of families facing benefit cuts.

However, Councillor Diarmaid Ward moved an amendment to the motion, criticising the original motion as a copy-and-pasted motion, which you and your colleagues didn't even read before you submitted it. Councillor Ward argued the amended bill would lift 50,000 people out of poverty and enshrined the right to work. Councillor Flora Williamson seconded the amendment, echoing Councillor Ward's criticism of the original motion and praising the Labour government for listening to concerns and making changes.

Councillor Burgess spoke in favour of the amendment, stating it reflects what is happening and offers our support to the government to make sure that this issue is handled correctly.

The amended motion mentions the bill enshrines the right to work, guaranteeing that people can try work without worrying about reassessment or award review. It also mentions a sustained rise to universal credit and an investment of £1 billion a year in health and skills support.

Stephen Timms is leading a comprehensive review of the PIP assessment system. The review is to be co-produced with disabled people, organizations that represent them, and MPs. The review is expected to report in November 2026.

After debate, the council voted to approve the amendment and then voted to support the amended motion.

The council has also committed to supporting Islington residents affected by the changes, including ensuring access to advice and guidance, signposting to financial support, working with local voluntary and community organizations to respond to rising needs, working to extend the council tax reduction scheme, and cancelling household council tax for terminally ill residents.

While the amended motion doesn't directly address the impact on local authorities and the NHS as explicitly as the original motion, it acknowledges the need to protect vulnerable people and support them into work, which could indirectly alleviate some pressure on these services.