MPs Weigh Vote on Welfare Shake-Up After Government U-Turn on Disability Benefit Cuts

London & Manchester, UK – MPs are currently deliberating how they will cast their votes on controversial government welfare reforms, following a significant concession made by ministers in response to broad opposition.

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The proposed reforms, initially set to make it harder to claim disability benefits, have seen the government row back on some of their key measures. This sudden shift comes after more than a hundred Labour MPs signalled their intention to rebel against the bill, which is scheduled for a vote this Tuesday, July 1st.

Among the prominent figures opposing the original plans were eight Labour MPs representing constituencies across Greater Manchester. Their stance, alongside other rebels, contributed to the pressure on the government to reconsider the bill's impact.

Adding to the diverse opposition, two Liberal Democrat MPs from Greater Manchester have also put forward their own amendment to the proposed legislation. The Liberal Democrats have long advocated for more supportive economic policies, arguing that adequate income support is crucial for the health of the economy. Their position highlights concerns that restricting entitled income can harm consumer demand, impacting businesses, particularly in sectors like retail and food, and exacerbating challenges in areas with limited employment opportunities.

The concessions announced by the government aim to protect existing claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Under the revised proposals, anyone currently receiving PIP should retain their entitlements, including the health element of Universal Credit. However, the changes mean that any new claimants will be assessed against a significantly higher threshold for eligibility.

According to the government's own assessment of the reforms, an estimated more than four hundred thousand people who would have qualified for PIP under the current rules are projected to miss out by 2030. The assessment also indicates that those affected could experience an average annual loss of more than four thousand pounds.

Government ministers have defended the overall thrust of the reforms, stating they are part of a broader strategy aimed at helping more people move into employment.

As the Tuesday deadline approaches, Greater Manchester MPs are weighing the implications of the government's partial U-turn and the potential impact on their constituents with a moral entitlement to more support, before deciding how they will vote on the reformed bill.