Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has faced repeated questions from Labour MPs over the rollout of changes to the benefit system, as the government attempts to defuse a backbench rebellion.
As part of a U-turn last week, the government said stricter eligibility criteria for getting the personal independence payment (Pip) would only apply to those claiming after November 2026, rather than existing claimants.
It also promised a review into the assessment process in partnership with disability organisations, due to be completed in autumn 2026.
But many Labour backbenchers questioned the rationale for making changes to the qualifying criteria before the review was finished.
Kendall said any recommendations from the review – to be led by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms – would be implemented “as soon as possible” following its completion.
She added that the Timms review would not be “driven by an objective of making savings” adding: “It’s about making sure that this really vital benefit is fair and fit for the future.”
Pip assessments involve questions about tasks like preparing and eating food, washing and getting dressed. Each is scored from zero – for no difficulty, to 12 – for the most severe.
Under the government’s proposed system, new claimants would have to score at least four points for one activity to qualify for the benefit, instead of qualifying for support across a broad range of tasks.
Debbie Abrahams, chair of the work and pensions committee, said: “If this is being truly co-produced with disabled people in their organisations, the review should determine both the new process, the new points and the new descriptors, and we shouldn’t predetermine it at four points.”
Dame Meg Hillier – chair of the Treasury Committee – asked Kendall for “the rationale for settling on those four points in one category prior to the Timms review”.
Another Labour MP, Sarah Owens, asked: “What is the logic of making changes to future claimants before producing the Timms review?”
The government was forced into a climbdown after more than 120 Labour MPs – including Dame Meg and Abrahams – threatened to block the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments Bill.
Ministers had hoped concessions made last week had reassured MPs, although around 50 Labour MPs are still expected to oppose the bill.
Speaking in Parliament, Kendall said she had “listened carefully” and was “making positive changes as a result”.
Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately said the government had produced a “rushed and chaotic compromise” which would save £2.5bn from a £100bn bill.
Liberal Democrat spokesman Steve Darling also said the legislation was rushed and warned it would lead to “unintended consequences”.
