Statement on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill Passing Second Reading
Responding to the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill passing at second reading, Jonathan Yates, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice SORT Group, said:
“We welcome the government’s decision to step back from rushing through changes for disabled people in the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill.
These very last-minute concessions reflect the strength and persistence of concerns raised by disabled people, campaigners, and organisations across the country. However, despite these changes, there is still more to do to protect people from hardship.
This process has highlighted the need for a fundamentally different approach to welfare reform-one that puts support, dignity, and long-term security at its centre. We continue to urge the government to pause this Bill and fully assess its impact on people’s lives.
The government came into office promising to improve living standards. That commitment must extend to a benefits system that supports people, rather than pushing them into poverty.
We will continue to work with others across the sector- and engage directly with MPs and policymakers- to push for a benefits system that truly supports disabled people and protects against hardship.
We recognise the significant anxiety and distress this process has caused for many of the people we support. The voices of those with lived experience-as well as the tireless efforts of individuals, advocates, and organisations-have played a vital role in challenging these proposals.”
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Notes to editors:
Citizens Advice SORT Group is the parent company of the Citizens Advice services in Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford. We are a member of the Citizens Advice service nationally which is made up of a network of 270 local Citizens Advice organisations across England and Wales.
For Media Enquiries
Hayley Wright
Communications Manager, Citizens Advice SORT Group
hayley.wright@casort.org