The Government has offered a further concession to limit the scale of a Labour revolt over welfare reforms. Changes to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip) could be delayed until after a review of the key disability benefit instead of coming into force in November 2026 as planned.
The latest concession follows a partial U-turn last week in the face of a possible defeat over the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. The legislation faces its first Commons vote on Tuesday night and the 11th-hour concession on timing for the changes suggests the Labour hierarchy is still concerned about the scale of the revolt.
Largest revolt of Starmer's premiership
The rebellion is set to be the largest of Sir Keir Starmer's premiership as Labour MPs prepare to challenge their own Government's welfare reforms. Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms told MPs that the Government had listened to the concerns raised about the timing of the changes.
The proposed reforms would restrict eligibility for personal independence payment, affecting disabled people who rely on the benefit. The Government's willingness to delay implementation demonstrates the pressure from Labour backbenchers ahead of the crucial Commons vote.
Government responds to concerns
Timms's announcement represents the latest attempt by the Labour leadership to avoid a damaging parliamentary defeat on the welfare legislation. The timing of the concession, just hours before the vote, highlights the Government's concerns about the scale of opposition from its own MPs.
The delay could provide breathing space for the Government to conduct a review of the disability benefit system before implementing the controversial changes to eligibility criteria.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
