MP warns 83% of local PIP claimants could lose out under Labour plans

Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury & Yate Claire Young has called for the Government to urgently change course and rethink their cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), with new data showing that 83% of local people who get the Payment could lose at least some of their benefit. 

A Written Parliamentary Question by the Liberal Democrats found that as many as 90% of those receiving the standard rate of Personal Independence Payment for daily living activities could lose at least some of the benefit following the Government’s cuts.

Under the Government’s plans, from November 2026 people on PIP will be required to score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to receive support with everyday tasks such as washing and cooking. Those scoring less will lose access to the “daily living” component, which for some will result in a full withdrawal of the benefit.

The data shows that more than 4-in-5 claimants across Thornbury & Yate scored less than 4 points, meaning that they could miss out on crucial support. 

Claire Young MP has emphasised that this could lead to vulnerable people missing out and has called on the Government to “urgently change course”. 

Commenting, she said:

“These changes to Personal Independence Payments are deeply concerning, and I’m worried about what it could mean for vulnerable residents who could lose vital parts of the benefit. 

“Large numbers of people could miss out on support, the support that helps people with daily tasks that many of us would take for granted, such as staying clean or staying safe. Many people depend on this vital help to stay in work and support themselves financially.

“The Government has to recognise that what they’re doing is wrong and change course before it’s too late.”