Polly has welcomed changes made by the government to the Welfare Bill. In a statement to constituents she said:
Since learning of planned welfare reforms, I have worked hard to convince ministers to reconsider, including by signing last week’s ‘reasoned amendment’ to make my views known. While I welcome measures to support people into work like a new ‘Right to Try’ for people with disabilities, I have also repeatedly told ministers I could not support the plans if changes were not made.
Over recent weeks, I have received many emails from constituents expressing their worry about these reforms — including from those relying on benefits such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP). I have been moved by the personal and often difficult stories I’ve heard, which have underscored for me just how much our welfare system is a vital lifeline for many in our community, particularly people with disabilities.
I have shared many of your concerns directly with ministers, and know that your voices have made a real difference in persuading the government to change course.
I do not underestimate the financial pressures on our welfare system. Under the Conservatives, spending on working-age benefits reached £48.5 billion and is forecast to rise to £75.7 billion by 2030 — almost twice the defence budget. We do need to bring those costs under control.
But any reform must be done the right way: by supporting people into work, addressing the root causes of unemployment, and protecting the most vulnerable. That is why I could not support changes to PIP being implemented in the way originally proposed.
I have continued to press ministers, and I therefore welcome changes that have been announced over the past week.
- Reforms to PIP will be shelved until a government review is carried out, with a new system co-produced with people with disabilities.
- The government will no longer be freezing the health element of Universal Credit, which would have cost claimants about £250 a year by the end of this parliament, and it will instead rise with inflation.
- The £1 billion budget for helping people into work will be increased, and the spending will be brought forward to this year, ensuring the additional support is available immediately.
These are all important changes that I have worked hard to secure, and I know will be of huge relief to many people in East Thanet. I am particularly pleased that the government will now involve disabled people in the co-production of a new disability benefit system, to ensure their voices are heard.
The changes we have secured represent important progress as we begin to tackle the root causes of ill health and unemployment. As your MP, I will always speak up for the residents of East Thanet and will continue to champion reform of the system that is fair, compassionate, and shaped by the voices of those most affected.