Our Groundwork Manager, Helen, shares her insights and support about the concerning proposed changes to PIP and Universal Credit.
Hello, I’m Helen and I manage the Groundwork Team at Sue Lambert Trust. Our team works alongside clients to support their practical needs as part of their journey toward stabilisation and recovery.
Like many of you, I’ve been following recent developments in government policy with growing concern. This week, the UK government introduced the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill to Parliament. I want to share information about these changes and how you can access support.
What’s Changing?
The new bill aims to reduce welfare spending by making changes to Universal Credit (UC) and PIP. While there are some minor increases to UC’s standard allowance, many of the proposed changes could significantly affect those already facing hardship, especially people living with disabilities or long-term health conditions through cuts and changes to PIP eligibility criteria for new and existing claimants.
The bill had its first reading in Parliament on 18 June, with a second reading and vote scheduled for 1 July. If passed in its current form, these changes may lead to increased financial insecurity for many.
At Sue Lambert Trust, we understand how vital PIP and Universal Credit support is for our clients, providing stability as a crucial first step in their recovery. The proposed changes risk having a devastating impact on people living with physical and mental health conditions.
You can read more about these changes here:
How We’re Supporting You
At Sue Lambert Trust, our Groundwork Team frequently helps clients with benefit applications and mandatory reconsiderations. We know the uncertainty caused by proposed benefit changes is creating a great deal of anxiety, and we want to reassure you that you are not alone.
We’re standing with those affected and joining efforts to challenge these proposals:
- We’ve written to our MP to express concern about the bill.
- We thank Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South and the 120 Labour MPs who have opposed the bill.
- We’ve completed the government’s consultation form to share our feedback.
What You Can Do
If you’d like to take action, here are some ways to get involved:
- Respond to the government’s online consultation:
Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working - Write to your MP before 1st July to urge them to vote against the bill.
Inclusion London has a helpful email template: Act Now – Inclusion London
Need Support? We’re Here to Help
If you’re worried about how these changes might affect you, or you need help with benefits, you can get information and support from the following:
- The Groundwork Team at Sue Lambert Trust help with benefit applications and mandatory reconsiderations
- The Groundwork Team can do referrals for benefit tribunals
- Access to online support:
Benefits Help – Citizens Advice
Check if you’re eligible for PIP – Citizens Advice
Ask your counsellor to refer you to the Groundwork Team or email me directly at helen@suelamberttrust.org if you would like Groundwork Support.
Coming Soon: Workshops & Drop-In Clinics
We’re currently exploring the idea of running workshops and drop-in clinics to help with PIP and UC applications. If this is something you’d be interested in, or if you have other suggestions, please let us know. Your input helps us shape our services to better meet your needs. Email helen@suelamberttrust.org
Together, we can navigate these changes and ensure that your voice is heard. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Warm wishes,
Helen
Groundwork Manager, Sue Lambert Trust