Eastleigh’s MP urges Government to rethink PIP cuts

Eastleigh’s MP, Liz Jarvis, has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Minister for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall to call on the Government to reconsider proposed changes to the disability benefits system. 

The local MP said she had been contacted by hundreds of people in her Eastleigh constituency who were terrified of the impact of these proposed changes. She criticised the Government for failing to subject provisions in the upcoming Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment’ Bill to a formal consultation with disabled people, saying the Government missed the chance to give disabled people and organisations representing them a stronger voice in the design of this process. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, Liz Jarvis said: 

“Reforming of the disability benefits system is necessary but restricting eligibility and reducing benefit levels will not support people into work or improve the lives of people already struggling. On the contrary, it risks pushing those who already face the most significant challenges further into poverty. 

“There are legitimate concerns that the welfare bill is rising unsustainably, but slashing support for some of the most vulnerable in society all while failing to fix our broken public services is going to make life so much harder for so many.”