This post is a summary of my research advocacy paper, which includes my story, four key arguments with citations, and five clear action points. It also includes a list of key benefit cuts and reforms since 2010 and a briefing on the recent UN report critical of the UK’s inadequate disability benefits and systemic treatment of claimants.
If you don’t live permanently online on social media, you may have missed what has been an extraordinary few days. Late on Friday afternoon, ITV News published a so-called ‘leak’ from the UK Government announcing that Liz Kendall, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, was expected to set out plans to “abolish the highest level of disability benefit” — a critical category for people who are not expected to be able to work in the medium to long term. Other conditionalities and swinging cuts of £5–10bn were also signalled, including cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and further tightening of eligibility and testing in an already harsh and restrictive system. The news caused absolute consternation among disabled people and allies on X/Twitter and other platforms.
ITV’s news announcement was only the latest in daily briefings, sound bites and media ‘stories’ that have been published since the start of the year targeting disabled people on benefits. Stories using language such as Liz Kendall’s line that individuals were ‘taking the mickey’ (BBC News, 7 Feb 2025), along with macho rhetoric from the Sun’s interview with Keir Starmer, where he agreed that he had ‘the balls’ to slash disability benefits (The Sun. 18 Jan 2025), and a growing frequency of harmfully down playing disabilities and mental health conditions. Not only was the language used harmful and divisive, articles and briefings were marked by their lack of accuracy about the benefits that were being talked about, fudging of the realities of disability and the welfare system of testing and appeals, but also a complete lack of nuance, compassion or fairness.
However, the reaction to the shocking details of this particular announcement, and the way it was shoved out on a Friday evening, set of an avalanche of posts from people expressing their absolute horror at these proposals; not only from disabled people and activists, but this time from right across the Labour party, members on the centre right, councillors, and MPs all expressing. This kind of language fuels stigma, makes it harder for disabled people to ask for help, and leads to increased discrimination. It mirrors some of the worst rhetoric of the austerity years, which led to real harm and even deaths.
It is unacceptable, and it must stop.
My Personal Situation
I am disabled, eligible and claiming for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) due to my long-term, fluctuating health conditions that significantly impair my daily life. These benefits are indispensable for my survival. They facilitate my independence, enable me to meet essential expenses, and prevent me from succumbing to destitution.
I am deeply concerned — as are many others — about the government and opposition’s recent signals that disability benefits may be cut or fundamentally altered.
Over the last 20 years of my illness and disabilities I’ve encountered issues with disability benefit assessments, delays, and the impact of Tory austerity cuts since 2010. The stress of repeated incidents with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) led to my hospital admission following a mini stroke on Easter 2021. The anxiety surrounding these cuts, as well as the hostile rhetoric from government figures, has had a significant impact on my mental and physical health.
I have experienced first-hand the delays in processing claims and the degrading nature of assessments, which often misrepresent the reality of my condition. In fact, every single reassessment for either the former DLA or the current PIP has resulted in the need to go to appeals tribunals only for the original decision to be overturned after up to 18 months of waiting.
My story is not unusual, nor is it rare bad luck– it is common place and seems to be deliberately designed in to the system of disability welfare. The continued uncertainty and hostile environment towards disabled individuals have exacerbated my mental health struggles. Many disabled people, like myself, feel trapped in a cycle of fear, unable to plan for the future. Many of us feel that the hostile environment towards us coming from government, the media, is feeding the public distrust of anyone who is on benefits.
Over the past 14 years, successive governments have pursued a policy agenda that has become increasingly hostile towards disabled individuals. Budget cuts, changes to eligibility criteria, and administrative hurdles have progressively made it harder for disabled people to access the support they need. Repeated welfare reforms have disproportionately affected disabled individuals, leading to rises in poverty, homelessness, and deteriorating mental and physical health.
This hostile environment is profoundly affecting disabled people. The constant drip of negativity, threats of poverty and destitution, misrepresentation, gas lighting and more besides, is causing anxiety, upset, fear, and actually harming the most vulnerable people in society. Labour seems to be copying the Conservative strategy from the 2010s whilst doubling down to seemingly prove they can be tougher, harsher, and nastier.
Reports from disability advocacy groups and international bodies—including the United Nations—have condemned the UK government’s treatment of disabled people as a violation of their human rights. Many of these policies have been accompanied by misleading rhetoric suggesting that disabled benefit recipients are fraudulent or undeserving, further fuelling discrimination and social exclusion. The cumulative impact of these policies has led to increased reliance on food banks, worsening health outcomes, and, in some cases, even premature deaths due to a lack of support.
These discussions are not abstract. They are not just about “policy reform.” They are about real lives — and for many, about survival. I am writing to explain why these benefits are essential, not only to me but to millions of people across this country, and why cutting them would be a profound mistake — morally, socially, and economically.
A Social Necessity
Being a disabled person costs us on average around £900–£1000 a month extra because of the challenges and circumstances we face. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to mitigate the additional costs incurred by individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities, to make life more equitable thereby supporting individuals in leading full and independent lives, and equitable and active participation in society.
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit, available to individuals who face difficulties with everyday tasks or mobility due to physical or mental health conditions, ensuring that support is provided based on functional need rather than financial status.
PIP has been misrepresented by politicians and the media recently, although not explicitly telling lies about it, there is an inference by the use of it when talking about “generous welfare” being a disincentive to work. (Disability benefits in the UK are far from generous, in fact they are the lowest in Europe.)
The Actual Economic Reality
There is an important fact that many politicians and commentators choose to ignore. Disability benefits contribute more to the economy than they cost.
PIP alone contributes approximately £42 billion annually to the UK economy, according to independent analysis, while costing under £28 billion. In other words, every £1 spent by the government in PIP payments has an economic value of almost double the outlay which is supporting local shops, care providers, transport services, and other essential services.
The research suggests that by alleviating financial hardship and enhancing mental wellbeing and social inclusion, disability benefits spur greater economic participation and productivity. Reducing disability benefits, tighten eligibility, or restrict access risk undermining these broader, long‐term economic gains. It would not only harm individuals but also undermine entire communities. It seems that economic value of disability benefits is not understood by ministers.
Far from being a “burden,” disability benefits actually sustain local economies and vital services.
One in four UK adults lives with a disability or long-term condition. This encompasses individuals with visible and invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions. The notion that disability benefit cuts will only impact a small, select group is erroneous. Millions rely on this support, particularly individuals who are frequently already precariously positioned on the brink of poverty due to escalating living expenses.
Cuts Will Harm and Cost Lives
There is a risk that any proposed cuts to disability benefits might trigger unexpected increases in caseloads, thereby placing additional fiscal pressure on the system. Reducing these benefits would not only undermine the rights and well-being of disabled individuals but would also have broader negative implications for societal and fiscal stability. This underscores the need for careful in assumptions around disability benefits policy.
The past 15 years have witnessed the adverse effects of disability benefit reductions:
- Increased poverty, hunger, and homelessness among disabled people;
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Deteriorating physical and mental health, often as a direct consequence of losing essential income;
- Rising suicides linked to benefit assessments and removals.
These outcomes are not speculative; they are real and have been documented by numerousofficial reports, academic studies, and investigations including official Coroners reports. History will be repeated if further cuts take place.
73% of the British public support maintaining or increasing disability benefits
Despite the assertions of certain politicians, the public overwhelmingly opposes cuts to disability benefits.
Polling shows that 73% of the British public support maintaining or increasing disability benefits, not reducing them. The public recognises that these benefits are necessary and fair.
Fairness and Equitable Treatment
I am speaking out because I and most people do not believe that cutting disability benefits is inevitable, or that it is in any way justifiable. These benefits are essential to enable disabled people to live with dignity, to participate in society, and to avoid falling into crisis. They are also an economic investment, not a drain. If the government, and the opposition, are serious about growing the economy and supporting society, they need to protect and strengthen these benefits — not cut them.
You Can Help
The most important thing you can your friends can do right now is contact your local MP and urge them to take a stand in public and in parliament. Over the weekend, more than 80 Labour MPs have already expressed their opposition to the proposals to cut disability benefits. Disabled people deserve policies that empower, not punish.
Call on your MP to:
- Publicly reject any further cuts to disability benefits and advocate for a fair, needs-based welfare system.
- Challenge the harmful rhetoric used against disabled people, ensuring political discourse fosters respect and dignity.
- Push for urgent reform of assessment and appeals processes, ending unnecessary distress and delays that force disabled individuals into prolonged hardship.
- Demand accountability from the DWP to improve transparency, efficiency, and fairness in benefit administration. The government should be supportive — not punitive.
- Support investment in disabled people’s futures—through proper financial support, accessible employment opportunities, and comprehensive social care.
Final Words
This is not just about me — though these cuts would have a devastating impact on my life.This is about millions of disabled people, across every part of the UK, who rely on these benefits to survive. It is about what kind of society we want to be.
It is about what kind of society we want to be.
In my view it is indisputably clear: disability benefit cuts are not only morally indefensible but also economically short-sighted and legally questionable. The devastating impact of these policies—exacerbating poverty, worsening health outcomes, and stripping away dignity—cannot be ignored. I urge politicians of all parties, and the public, to remember that.
Disabled lives matter.
A just society does not balance its books by stripping essential support from its most vulnerable members.
We need MPs to raise these concerns in Parliament, engage with disability advocacy groups, and work towards creating a system that upholds the dignity, rights, and well-being of disabled citizens.
#StopDisabilityCuts
If you want to understand more about how government policy and welfare cuts have harmed — and even killed — disabled people, I highly recommend The Department by John Pring (Pluto Press, 2023). It’s a powerful investigation into how the DWP ignored warnings, covered up deaths, and failed those it was meant to support. Essential reading for anyone wanting to know the truth behind the system.
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