My statement on The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill

Dear Constituent, 

Before I became an MP, I worked for a housing association that provided accommodation for people with learning and mental health disabilities.  It was clear from working alongside tenants that the process of accessing welfare is often dehumanising for people with disabilities. It’s also clear to me that the system needs structural reform to provide dignity.   

Over recent months, I’ve heard from many constituents who have shared personal stories and deep concerns about the proposed welfare reforms, particularly the health-related elements of Universal Credit (UC), and Personal Independence Payments (PIP).  

I have consistently raised these concerns with colleagues in government, highlighting the potential impact the changes could have on people in our local community.  I have conducted my conversations with Ministers in private, making them aware of the impact this has been having on my constituents.  

Also, as part of my role on The Work & Pensions Select Committee, I have been able to put these concerns directly to the Secretary of State and other Ministers.   

I’ve also met with organisations in both Westminster and North West Leicestershire that support vulnerable individuals, helping them access new opportunities and, where possible, return to work. 

I support the Government’s ambition to help more people into employment, through the ‘Pathways to Work’ programme, which invests £1 billion annually to provide better opportunities for sick and disabled people and allowing those with the most severe conditions not to be called for re-assessments again.  

That said, I shared many of the concerns raised with me by disabled people over recent months, and those of local organisations that I have met. I too have been worried about these reforms and that they risked harming vulnerable members of our society, which is why I signed the original amendment brought earlier this week by Dame Meg Hillier MP, calling on the government to rethink. PIP exists to help people with long-term physical or mental health conditions manage the additional costs of living, and I too have been concerned that the proposed changes would have a detrimental impact on this important support for those who require it in the future.  

It was clear from the debate in the Chamber that the Government has listened to our calls to wait for any implementation of PIP reform until after the review which is being undertaken by Sir Stephen Timms (referred to as The Timms Review), which will be taken in conjunction with disabled people and organisations, ensuring their voice is at the heart of any changes.  

This means that there will be no changes to PIP as a result of this Bill. 

Today, the Bill was being presented at Second Reading in the House of Commons. The concessions achieved by Parliamentarians, including myself, changed the shape of the Bill and alleviated my primary concerns about the impact on disabled people. 

With that in mind, the vote tonight on The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill was in the end about ensuring the above inflation increase to the standard allowance of UC was voted through, supporting over 8,800 people in North West Leicestershire.  

I recognise that reform is needed to reduce the welfare bill and support more people into meaningful work. However, such changes must be approached carefully, based on evidence. Rushing these reforms risks unintended consequences that could set back, rather than support those we aim to help. These Government concessions will allow us to continue this piece of work with disabled people at the heart of it.  

The Bill will now continue its progression through the House of Commons before reaching the House of Lords, which will mirror the process followed in the Commons. The next stage is the Committee Stage. It will be brought back for a Third Reading, once this stage has concluded, at which point we will be able to vote again, before going to the Lords if it is passed. 

Yours sincerely,

Amanda Hack MP

North West Leicestershire