Islington Council to Debate Motion Opposing Cuts to Disability Benefit PIP

Islington Council is set to debate a motion opposing cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a benefit for individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities. The council has expressed concerns that changes to PIP could have a cascading impact, as it serves as a gateway to other essential benefits.

The motion, scheduled for discussion at the council meeting on 18 September 2025, calls for the council to engage with the government following its contribution to the 'Pathways to Work consultation' Public reports pack 18th-Sep-2025 19.15 Council. The council aims to highlight concerns that PIP acts as a gateway to vital support such as Carers' Allowance, Blue Badges, and Freedom Passes. The council is noting our concerns that PIP remains a gateway to other benefits including Carers' Allowance, Blue Badges and Freedom Passes, meaning the potentially cascading impact of losing out on PIP remains.

In its contribution to the 'Pathways to Work consultation', Islington Council called for a fairer, more inclusive system that supports disabled people to thrive. The council welcomed the government's commitment to supporting disabled people into work, particularly the introduction of the right to try. The council also urged the government to unhook PIP from other benefits.

The motion also emphasizes collaboration with disabled individuals, their carers, and advocacy groups to ensure meaningful co-production. The council will work constructively with disabled people, their carers and advocacy groups across the borough to ensure meaningful co-production. It outlines commitments to support Islington residents affected by potential changes, such as ensuring access to advice and guidance through the council's iWorks and iMax services, working with local voluntary and community organisations, and continuing the council tax reduction scheme.

Furthermore, the council plans to lobby the government for fairer funding of local authorities like Islington, utilizing its influence on bodies such as London Councils and the Local Government Association (LGA).