Kingston upon Thames Council has pledged to fight proposed cuts to disability benefits outlined in the government's Welfare Reform Bill. The council voted to work with local MPs to campaign against the changes, monitor the bill's progress, and lobby for its opposition.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Andreas Kirsch and seconded by Councillor Sabah Hamed, highlights concerns over potential changes to disability and long-term sickness benefits, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The council noted the upcoming debate and vote in the House of Commons on the government's Welfare Reform Bill concerning potential changes to disability and long-term sickness benefits, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The specific changes include:

  • changing the eligibility for the Daily Living component of PIP
  • freezing the health element of Universal Credit for current claimants
  • amending rules on the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) which ceases at 18 and young people will not be eligible for LCWRA health element until they are 22
  • scrapping the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) in 2028, replacing it with a tougher PIP assessment
  • merging contribution-based ESA and Jobseeker's Allowance into a new benefit called Unemployment Insurance.

PIP, a crucial benefit for individuals with disabilities and long-term health conditions, is paid regardless of employment status and serves as a gateway to other essential support systems.

According to government data cited in the motion, there are currently 3,300 PIP claimants in the Kingston and Surbiton area, with a potential loss of benefits for 1,280 claimants. The council also expressed concerns that cuts to PIP and disability benefits would place a significant strain on the Royal Borough of Kingston's budget and its partners. The motion states that government cuts to PIP and disability benefits are likely to have detrimental budgetary pressure for RBK and its partners potentially leading to an increase in demand for the council's welfare advice and support services, and a heightened pressure for our housing services, social care, and emergency assistance programs.

Councillor Sabah Hamed emphasized the importance of PIP, stating that it is not an out-of-work benefit but a vital source of independence for people living with disabilities or long-term health conditions. She further cautioned that the proposed changes could lead to devastating cuts, increased pressure on care services, and greater demand on the voluntary sector.

The council resolved to:

  • Work with its MPs to campaign against the cuts.
  • Monitor the progress of the Bill and lobby its MPs to oppose it.
  • Request officers to keep the People Committee informed proactively.

The motion was carried, demonstrating the council's commitment to protecting vulnerable residents from the potential impact of the Welfare Reform Bill.