Statement on proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments
The Pankhurst Trust (incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid) issues a statement today outlining our concerns with regards to the proposed changes to personal independence payments, as set out in the ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working’ Green Paper in March 2025.
We urge the government to consider the profound impact these changes could have on those with disabilities and their families. 1 in 3 of clients in our service are in receipt of Universal Credit, and 1 in 10 are in receipt of Personal Independence Payments or Disability Living Allowance. 1 in 2 women in service have children.
The past fifteen years of policy decisions have increased financial pressures on households, including housing costs, poverty, and childcare expenses, making it harder for women to leave abusive relationships, and adding to feelings of helplessness and a need to stay with their partner for financial survival.
Our clients already express frustrations with the Department for Work and Pensions due to the lengthy assessment processes, amount of evidence needed, confusing questions, intrusive questions about deeply personal matters, and the threat of removal of payments for missing appointments. We believe these changes will only increase distrust between the government and those who need their support the most.
Most importantly, personal independence payments are there to support people to live independently, including when they return to work. It is not a reward, but a lifeline to enable individuals to navigate life with a disability.
We call for:
No changes to the eligibility for personal independence payments;
Significant investment in training and staffing for assessment services. Staff require comprehensive, person-centred, trauma-informed, and safeguarding-focused training to ensure a respectful and effective assessment process;
No gap in support for 18–22-year-olds transitioning to adult services. Not all young people have parental financial support, and a lack of continuity will perpetuate generational poverty;
- Maintain the PIP eligibility age at 16, rather than raising it to 18.
We urge the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with disability charities and the wider VCSE sector to ensure that any reforms are truly supportive, sustainable, and reflect the lived experiences of those they aim to serve.
