Labour Faces Growing Backlash Over £5 Billion Welfare Cuts

Proposed reforms to disability benefits and Universal Credit have triggered criticism from charities, Labour MPs, and public figures, with warnings of increased poverty and internal dissent within the party.

The Labour government aims to save £5 billion annually by 2030 through tightened eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and changes to Universal Credit for young people under 22.
Between 800,000 and 1.2 million people are expected to lose PIP benefits, with annual losses for affected individuals estimated at £4,200 to £6,300.
Disability charities and advocacy groups warn the reforms will disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, pushing many into deeper poverty.
Internal dissent within Labour is intensifying, with MPs warning of a potential rebellion over the proposed changes, particularly to PIP eligibility criteria.
The government has yet to publish an impact assessment, fueling criticism of the reforms' transparency and the accuracy of projected savings.