DWP overhaul under fire as Keir Starmer called to axe 'inhumane' cuts to PIP and Universal Credit benefits

The letter describes the Government's proposals to reduce eligibility for PIP and the health component of Universal Credit as "inhumane and catastrophic" with signatories arguing that the planned cuts are a matter of "survival" and "basic human rights" for disabled people across the country.

The signatories include prominent figures such as actors Liz Carr, Ruth Madeley, Cherylee Houston and Lisa Hammond, comedians Rosie Jones and Lee Ridley (known as Lost Voice Guy), writer Jack Thorne and broadcaster Sophie Morgan.

In their letter, they warn that if the Government's plans proceed, "700,000 families already living in poverty will face further devastation". The group stated: "This is not reform; it is cruelty by policy."

Signatories caution Starmer that the proposed changes will "strip financial support from those who need it most," deepen social exclusion and "increase disability-related deaths".

According to the Government's plans, set out in a green paper earlier this year, the eligibility criteria for PIP would be reduced in a move that would impact an estimated one million people.

Furthermore, the sickness-related element of Universal Credit is also set to be cut. Official figures show 3.2 million people could lose an average of £1,720 a year as a result of the changes.

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The proposals have already sparked concerns of a potential rebellion from backbenchers, alongside condemnation from charities and unions with concerns being raised about the Government's rhetoric around its proposals titled "Get Britain Working."

Signatories to the letter argue: "Framing welfare cuts as 'incentives' to work implies that disabled people must earn their place in society through productivity – a dangerous narrative. Disabled lives are inherently valuable whether someone can work or not."

They also point out that the Access to Work scheme currently has a backlog of over six months, preventing many from working. The letter adds: "For us, PIP is not a benefit it is access to life."

As well as this, signatories highlight how PIP is linked to a loved one's eligibility for Carer's Allowance, meaning thousands of unpaid carers will also lose income, which will "overwhelm local councils" that often rely on disabled people's PIPs for social care.

The letter added: "We have already endured a decade of austerity, disproportionate pandemic losses, and life-costing cuts. We, the undersigned, will not stand by while our community is sacrificed for the illusion of savings."

This later will be part of a wider campaign launched by disabled celebrities using the hashtag #TakingThePIP. The organisers will ask deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people to share their experiences, contact their MPs, and "take a stand" on social media.

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The campaign comes as the Government faces increasing pressure over other benefit cuts. The recent partial U-turn over the winter fuel allowance has raised questions about whether other benefit reductions should also be reconsidered, with Unison urging ministers to "look again" at cuts facing disabled people as well as pensioners.

A Government spokesperson defended the plans, saying: "We are determined to support people in all parts of the country by tackling poverty and creating secure, well-paid jobs.

"PIP is a part of the way that we support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. But with the number of people claiming PIP doubling since the pandemic, it's right that we rebalance the system to ensure support is targeted to those who need it most."