More Than A Provider: Welfare Reform Consultation Response

Together with our More Than a Provider partners, we have submitted a joint response to the government’s consultation on proposed welfare reforms. 

Our submission highlighted the detrimental impact these reforms would have on disabled people and called for a more inclusive, evidence-based approach.

This week, the government’s welfare bill passed its first major hurdle in Parliament, following a series of last-minute changes. It will now move to a second reading.

One of the most significant developments was the government’s decision to delay proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility. These changes, which would have restricted access to PIP, are now postponed until after a full review in autumn 2026. This is a welcome pause, but the journey is far from over.

The original reforms aimed to cut £5 billion from the welfare budget, with disabled people unfairly expected to shoulder much of the burden. We will continue to advocate for a fairer system that supports, rather than penalises, those who need it most.  
 

Our joint response says:

• We believe that any changes to disability benefits must put people first, ensuring support is accessible, fair, and rooted in lived experience.
• We oppose the proposed changes to PIP, including a two-tier system and stricter eligibility rules.  
  The current approach prioritises cost-cutting over meaningful reform, missing the opportunity to create a system that works for everyone.
• Access to Work must be faster, fairer, and better funded so more people can benefit.

We also recommend:
 

• All benefit information is available in Easy Read, video, and audio formats.
• If PIP is withdrawn, equivalent support must be guaranteed.
• Assessors must understand the lived experiences of disabled people.
• The Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Health and Social Care must work together to assess the wider impact of reforms.
• Trusted supporters should be included in assessments, and mental health support must be readily available.

While a review of the PIP assessment process has now been promised, to be led by Stephen Timms MP, we have urged the government to ensure this is co-produced with disabled people, social care providers, charities, and experts.

Aisling said:

“It is a huge relief that the government are not pushing ahead with the PIP changes as the impact of this would have been grave. The decision to make these changes was driven by the Treasury, around saving money, and it was unfair of the government to expect disabled people to fill this gap in funding.

"This process has caused unnecessary distress to disabled people. The government must now listen to disabled people and their allies and ensure that any future reforms are shaped with them, not imposed on them.”

To find out more about the Welfare Reform consultation visit gov.uk