In March 2025, the Government announced significant changes to health and disability benefits.
The Disability Task Group has issued the following bulletin to inform people about the changes, examples of how they might affect people, and what you might wish to consider doing to make your voice heard.
Some of the proposals will be subject to consultation over the next few weeks, and others will be brought before Parliament for a vote, probably in June. Important changes not being consulted on include changing the criteria for the ‘daily living’ component of Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which helps disabled people with the extra costs of daily life. In future, as well as meeting current criteria, applicants will have to show that they need more significant support in at least one area to qualify. Information from the Department of Work and Pensions obtained through a Freedom of Information request suggests that 87% of working age people who currently receive the standard rate of daily living allowance could lose it, and 13% of those on the enhanced rate could also lose PIP. The Work Capability Assessment, which assesses capacity for paid work, will be abolished by 2028. This additional financial support will only be offered to those who also receive PIP for daily living. A summary of the changes can be found here.
The Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Leicester and Revd Canon Alice Kemp offered an initial response to the proposals. In this bulletin, members of the Church of England’s national Disability Task Group are acknowledging the deep anxiety felt by many sick and disabled people and carers, sharing stories of some people who will be affected, and encouraging you to help – by prayer, and perhaps by action. Members of the Disability Task Group will also be supporting the Church of England’s formal response to those changes which are part of a consultation, and supporting bishops in the House of Lords to understand how changes will affect disabled people before the parliamentary debates and votes.
How might these changes affect people?
Peter* (all names have been changed) is a 49 year old priest who has a degenerative joint condition mainly affecting his hands. He usually works 6 shorter days due to pain and fatigue. Peter receives standard rate PIP for Daily Living and uses it to pay for a cleaner, heating bills, to buy tools to assist with computer work and easy-to-prepare food. Under these changes Peter will lose PIP Daily Living and have to stop working. He is worried about the effect on his health and on the life of his church.
Alan* is a 60 year old man who has coronary artery disease and MS, which causes bladder incontinence; he walks with two sticks. Alan receives PIP – he needs some help with most aspects of daily living. His wife Janet looks after him and receives Carer’s Allowance. They have been part of their local church for more than 20 years and attend most Sunday mornings. Alan works 3-4 days/week, including 1-2 days from home. He uses PIP to pay for incontinence pants, adapted clothing, heating costs and taxis to work, and to cushion the effect of reduced income from working part-time. Alan will lose PIP Daily Living and have to stop working; his wife will also lose her Carer’s Allowance.
Erica* is a 63 year old autistic woman with ME/Long Covid, inflammatory arthritis, neuropathy, cognitive impairment and anxiety. She worked in health management until she became ill almost 20 years ago. She currently receives PIP and Universal Credit - Health payment. Erica works 4-10 hours/week as a disability adviser and is a member of her PCC. She has tried working more hours but becomes exhausted and spends weeks in bed. She uses PIP to pay a contribution to her council-funded personal care, a cleaner, heating bills, comfortable clothing and monthly acupuncture to help with pain. Erica will lose both PIP and UC-H and may not be eligible for personal care support. She will not be able to continue with work or PCC and will struggle to live independently.
What can you do?
You might wish to:
- Write to your MP and ask them to vote against the cuts. Disabled-led Inclusion London has a helpful template letter.
- Respond to the consultation before the 30th June deadline to explain how the proposed changes would affect you, your loved ones, or wider community. The consultation can be found here.
- Sign a petition to show your concern. Disability charity Scope have set up this petition.
- Share this article and encourage others to act too.
- Pray for the people affected by these changes and for those making decisions about their future, including MPs and those with responsibility for this area in the Government.
Further information
These disabled-led organisations have further details and ways to get involved
- Inclusion London: Time to Stand Together: Say No to Devastating Disability Benefits Cuts - Inclusion London
- Disability Benefits Consortium: Disability Benefits Consortium – Working together towards a fairer welfare system for disabled people
- Disability Rights UK: Disability Rights UK | We are Disabled people working for an inclusive society