Sense responds to government’s ‘devastating’ announcement of cuts to welfare benefits

18 March 2025 – Today the government has announced changes to the welfare system, including a narrowing of eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP). This, and other changes, will have a huge impact on disabled people, and Sense is deeply concerned about this announcement.

James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive at the national disability charity Sense, said:

“Disabled people need greater support from the government, not draconian cuts that will drive more disabled people into poverty.

“We are deeply concerned about the devastating impact these cuts will have on those disabled people who are unable to work. They deserve vital financial protection. Our research has shown that half of disabled people with complex needs who are unable to work already can’t afford the support and equipment they require* – these cuts could push many further into crisis.

“Trying to frame cuts to benefits as a solution to incentivise work is misplaced. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was never designed to help people find work. It’s about helping disabled people cover the extra costs of living with a disability, which often enables them to stay in employment. Stripping away this support will not create more job opportunities for disabled people – it will simply leave them more vulnerable.

“Instead of cutting vital support, Sense calls on the government to focus on removing the barriers disabled jobseekers face. We need a nationwide rollout of assistive technology in job centres, and much more targeted training for work coaches to support disabled people’s unique needs. Most importantly, we need the government to commit to ensuring that disabled people who cannot work are financially protected, not penalised for being disabled.”

*Sense polling found that half (49%) of disabled people with complex needs, classified as having Limited Capacity for Work or Work-Related Activity within Universal Credit, are unable to afford the support and equipment they need.