A Portsmouth councillor has urged both city MPs to reject proposed disability benefit reforms, cautioning that the changes could impact thousands of residents.
Disability support reforms have generated controversy following Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall’s confirmation of proposals to restrict Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility and Universal Credit health top-ups.
PIP offers financial assistance to individuals with long-term disabilities, mobility difficulties, or health conditions, comprising daily living and mobility elements.
The proposed reforms would require claimants to achieve a minimum of four points from eight in assessments to secure the daily living component. Those scoring below this threshold risk losing that portion of their payment—potentially forfeiting their entire PIP entitlement.
Parliamentary figures indicate that 86 per cent of Portsmouth’s 4,500 PIP recipients face potential benefit reduction or complete loss.
Councillor Matthew Winnington, Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for community wellbeing, health and care, stated: “This demonstrates how indefensible these harsh cuts have become. Stephen Morgan, having a government position, must no longer ignore this issue. He must immediately oppose these cuts and urge the Government to reverse course before it becomes too late.
“Thousands of Portsmouth residents risk having essential support removed, threatening severe hardship for those already struggling. The Government, Stephen Morgan, and Amanda Martin must reconsider and abandon these damaging cuts before their catastrophic effects hit our community.”
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Liz Kendall has recently proposed measures to moderate the planned reforms, attempting to reassure approximately 170 MPs contemplating rebellion. One modification would extend transitional support for PIP losers from four to 13 weeks.
A government source commented: “These reforms will establish sustainable welfare spending to ensure the safety net remains available for current and future needs.
“We’re implementing protections for the most vulnerable whilst supporting disabled people’s return to work through a £1bn tailored support package.
“Furthermore, 90 per cent of current PIP recipients will retain their benefits throughout this parliament.
“The Liberal Democrats implemented punishing welfare cuts during their Conservative Coalition. Whilst they abandoned people in despair, we’re providing dignity and security.”
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan and Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin responded: “We reject any welfare reform criticism from Liberal Democrats, given their destructive austerity policies when governing, which targeted society’s most vulnerable and caused immense damage.
“Conversely, Labour is ending austerity and making unprecedented NHS, security, and economic investments to improve Portsmouth families’ circumstances.
“With one in eight young people outside employment, education or training, the government inherited a dysfunctional social security system requiring repair to support work-capable individuals whilst protecting those unable to work.
“While other parties seek publicity, as your representatives we’ll focus on supporting Portsmouth residents, engaging local groups and advisory services, and raising concerns in Parliament.”
