Last night, the parliament in Westminster voted for the final time on the Universal Credit Bill, formerly called “The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill”. The government is awaiting the review of Disabilities Minister Sir Stephen Timms that is being co-produced with disabled people and the organisations that represent them, before any changes to how Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is assessed will be made.
Several Labour MPs urged the government to ensure the involvement of disabled people in the review.
Labour MP Marie Tidball said their role in the Timms review should be “meaningful and not performative”.
The review aims to conclude in autumn 2026.
Sir Stephen Timms said: “If you can work, you should, if you need help into work, the government should provide it, and those who can’t work must be able to live with dignity.
“Those are the principles underpinning what we’re doing.”
However, the bill looks to “to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment.”
Echoing the fears of many disabled people, Disability Rights UK’s Mikey had this to say:
It is difficult to trust the government’s promise to co-produce a new PIP system, especially with their focus on cost-cutting, as opposed to genuine support for Disabled people. We are very concerned that PIP cuts have been postponed, not abandoned.
In a letter to the Department for Work and Pensions, the UN’s High Commissioner raised concerns about the human impact of proposed changes, asking what measures “address the foreseeable risk of increasing poverty rates amongst persons with disabilities if cuts are approved”.
The changes to personal Independence that are under review do not extend to Scotland. And therefore, will not impact on the Adult Disability Payments.
As a money bill — a type of legislation focused on public spending — the Universal Credit Bill could be enacted within a month, even without the formal approval of the House of Lords. This fast-track process reflects its financial nature and limited scope for amendment by the upper chamber.
Overall, individuals aged 25 and over who claim Universal Credit are set to receive a significant uplift in their standard allowance — projected to rise by £725 by 2029/30, outpacing inflation by approximately £250. According to government estimates, this increase could benefit around 4 million people, providing a welcomed boost to household incomes.
Alongside the passage of the bill, disabled people and those with health conditions will gain legal protections that allow them to attempt work without the threat of benefit reassessment. Individuals can explore employment opportunities without risking their existing entitlements.
Under the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) provision, individuals with severe lifelong conditions or who are terminally ill with less than 12 months to live will continue to receive the higher monthly rate of £423.27. The government estimates around 200,000 people will qualify for this level of support.
However, beginning in April 2026, all new claimants assessed as having limited capability for work will receive a reduced monthly rate of £217.26 — marking a significant drop in financial assistance.
Both rates will remain frozen until 2029/30, sparking concern among disability advocates who fear the lower rate may not reflect rising living costs or adequately support individuals with ongoing health challenges.