In a bold move that's set to define the Conservative Party's welfare agenda, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride has announced sweeping reforms to disability benefits and housing support that could affect millions of Britons.
Personal Independence Payment Overhaul
Speaking to a packed hall at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, Stride revealed plans to fundamentally reshape how disability benefits are assessed and distributed. The reforms target Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with the minister claiming the current system fails to direct support to those who need it most.
"We are creating a system that's fair, sustainable, and focused on genuine need," Stride declared, drawing both applause and audible concern from different sections of the audience.
Housing Allowance Squeeze
In a double blow to welfare recipients, the minister also confirmed significant changes to housing support. The Local Housing Allowance rate will be frozen, meaning support won't keep pace with rising rental costs, while eligibility criteria will be tightened for both social and private housing.
Critics were quick to condemn the measures, with disability charities warning they could push vulnerable people into poverty and homelessness.
Charities Sound Alarm Bells
Leading disability organisations expressed immediate concern about the potential impact. "These changes risk leaving thousands of disabled people without adequate support for daily living costs," warned one charity representative speaking anonymously.
The reforms come amid growing pressure on the welfare budget and follow previous announcements about tightening work capability assessment criteria.
Political Fallout Begins
Opposition parties seized on the announcements, with Labour accusing the government of "balancing the books on the backs of the most vulnerable." Liberal Democrat spokespersons described the measures as "cruel and counterproductive."
Meanwhile, Conservative backbenchers appeared divided, with some welcoming the fiscal responsibility while others expressed private concerns about the political and human costs.
The announcements set the stage for a major parliamentary battle over welfare reform, with the government likely to face significant opposition in both Houses of Parliament.
