On 26 June 2025, following growing unrest among Labour MPs and widespread public concern, the UK Government announced a significant U-turn on its proposed welfare reforms. These reforms, originally outlined in the “Pathways to Work” Green Paper, aimed to reshape how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit (UC) are awarded.
The Prime Minister addressed the Commons to confirm that the most controversial aspects of the reforms, including the tightening of eligibility and the cutting of financial support, would now only apply to new claimants. Those already receiving PIP or the UC health element would remain protected under the current system. This move was described as common sense and was widely seen as a strategic concession to avoid a rebellion among Labour backbenchers, with over 120 MPs having expressed serious concern.
But for those of us with lived experience of disability, this change is not enough. The Bill still contains the same harmful principles. It simply delays their impact.
What are the proposed changes?
From November 2026, new applicants for PIP will need to score at least 4 points in a single daily living activity, as well as meet the existing 8-point threshold overall. This change is expected to reduce the number of people who qualify for support.
From April 2026, new claimants of Universal Credit will see their additional health element reduced from around £97 per week to approximately £50. Existing claimants will not have their payments cut, but they will be frozen rather than increased.
From 2028 or 2029, the health element of Universal Credit will be based on eligibility for PIP, replacing the Work Capability Assessment. Many people have already raised concerns about the PIP process, and tying both benefits to this one assessment could leave many without the support they need.
There will be some protection for people with severe lifelong conditions or terminal illnesses through the Severe Conditions Criteria. However, this still leaves many people with fluctuating or less visible conditions at risk of losing vital support.
When is the vote
The Second Reading of the Bill is scheduled for Tuesday, 1st July 2025. This is the first opportunity for MPs to vote on the Bill’s overall principles. If approved, the Bill will move to the Committee Stage for further scrutiny. If it is rejected, it may be delayed or withdrawn.
What has AbleOTUK done
In March 2025, AbleOTUK created an open letter to express our deep concerns about the proposed changes. We called for genuine co-production and challenged the belief that cuts would address the real barriers disabled people face. Instead, we argued that solutions must be shaped with lived experience at the centre.
As occupational therapists, we understand the complexity of people’s lives and the wide range of barriers that can prevent full participation. Our profession is uniquely placed to identify the impact of physical, mental, social and environmental challenges and to work with individuals to find meaningful solutions. Whether someone can work or not, occupational therapists focus on supporting people to live full and meaningful lives in ways that matter to them. This perspective is essential in designing fair and inclusive systems that enable, rather than punish, those who need support.
You can read the full letter here:
Open Letter from AbleOTUK – Opposing Cuts and Calling for Co-production
This letter has already led to conversations with some MPs. One MP met with us, expressed full support for our open letter, and confirmed that they would not be voting for the Bill. They recognised the importance of listening to disabled people and co-producing any future reforms in genuine partnership.
We have also held constructive discussions with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and were invited to contribute to their written response to the Green Paper consultation, which closed on 30th June 2025. This collaborative work is vital to ensuring that the voices of occupational therapists with lived experience are represented at every level of policy development.
Our position remains unchanged.
This U-turn does not go far enough. It protects some people for now, but it does not change the direction of travel. It simply delays harm. The system still risks becoming more exclusive, more limited in scope, and harder to access. These changes will also create a two-tier system, where people are treated differently based solely on when they made their claim. This raises serious concerns about fairness and may not be lawful under the Equality Act. Everyone deserves to be supported according to need, not by the timing of their application.
AbleOTUK urges all MPs to stand by their principles and vote against this Bill on 1 July. What we need is a welfare system that is co-produced with disabled people, one that understands the complexity and reality of our lives. A system that supports people whether they can or cannot work. A system that is fair, inclusive and built on trust.
Now is the time to act. We need more than a delay. We need real change. Let’s work together to make it happen.
What can you do now #BeAnAbleOTUKAlly?
Send this blog or our open letter to your MP before the vote on Tuesday, 1st July 2025. Let them know that these reforms do not reflect the values of a fair and inclusive society.
You can also leave a comment of support below. Every voice adds to the call for change. Share your support on social media. There is a campaign led by those with lived experience using the hashtag #TakingthePIP. Follow the conversation, share posts, and talk to others about the damage these changes could do to the people who access occupational therapy. Let’s make sure this conversation is not happening without us.
AffinOT 