Wales is expected to experience the greatest impact across the UK if the Government proceeds with proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The planned reforms aim to tighten eligibility criteria for PIP and reduce the sickness-related element of Universal Credit (UC). Access to the health element of UC would also be delayed until claimants reach 22 years old. The government intends to reinvest these savings to support young people entering work or training.
This package of welfare measures seeks to lower the number of working-age individuals receiving sickness benefits, aiming to save up to £5 billion annually by the end of the decade.
From November 2026, claimants will need to score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to continue receiving support for everyday tasks such as cooking and personal care. Those scoring below this threshold risk losing the daily living component, which for some could mean the complete withdrawal of PIP.
Every local authority in Wales currently has at least 80% of standard-rate PIP recipients at risk of losing support. More than half face a risk level of 90% or higher. The Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney constituencies are projected to be the worst affected, with 92% of claimants failing to meet the new criteria.
This data, shared by the Liberal Democrats and sourced from a Written Parliamentary Question, follows a report from the Bevan Foundation highlighting how poverty levels in affected Welsh households could sharply increase due to these reforms.
Wales already faces some of the highest poverty rates in Western Europe, costing the Welsh Government billions annually in additional pressure on public services.
Concerns have been raised that vast numbers of people across Wales could lose vital support, worsening hardship and placing extra strain on communities. The support currently assists with essential daily activities and helps many disabled individuals stay in work.
Wales has the second-highest proportion of working-age disabled people in the UK, meaning these cuts are likely to hit the region particularly hard. The reforms are expected to deepen poverty and further burden already overstretched health services.
Calls have been made for Welsh MPs to prioritise the wellbeing of their constituents and oppose the proposed changes.
The UK Government maintains that it will protect those in need and that the reforms will focus on supporting people unable to work. Central to the plans is a £1 billion scheme aimed at helping the long-term sick and disabled find secure employment.
In addition, increases to the national living wage, benefit rises, and additional support for the poorest households are included as part of the government’s wider Plan for Change.
