Mp

Catherine21

Rosie_Scope

Thanks for sharing @Catherine21, he sounds like he's on the side of disabled people.

Here's a text version of the email screenshots for anyone who would find it helpful:

"Dear Catherine,
You wrote to me previously about the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill and I wanted to get in touch to update you on how things have progressed since the passage of the Act.

I, like most MPs on the Labour backbenches, had concerns prior to the publication of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill that the need for genuine reform-to build a system which supports those with disabilities who can work into work while ensuring those who cannot work receive the support they need-would end up being overshadowed by pressure from the Treasury for spending cuts. In the end this fear turned out to be accurate, with a range of sensible policy changes-in reality the majority of the Bill-being overshadowed by proposals for spending cuts to Personal Independence Payments.

[some text missing here from screenshots]
through a working group set up with representatives of various disability groups. During the minister's concluding remarks I managed to
secure a commitment that this working group would not be operating within financial restrictions, such as those which had brought about the original proposals:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdVg3IYhWAQ

With PIP removed from the substance of the Bill, and subsequently its title, MPs were left to vote on what remained on the Bill which I voted to support for two reasons, one principled and one pragmatic. The pragmatic reason is that having made it clear to the Government that the source of opposition was over PIP, as the element we might most realistically secure a change in policy, had backbenchers continued to oppose the bill after they had removed the source of complaint there would be very little reason for ministers to ever
again take seriously any specific objections brought forward by their MPs or to attempt to negotiate with them.

The principled reason is that while I full acknowledge that the move to harmonise the basic rate of Universal Credit with the rate paid for those in receipt of the disability element, the package of reforms which were left in the Bill as a whole deliver a net increase in Government funding for Universal Credit recipients and an overall reduction in poverty. To vote against the Bill would in effect be voting for less public money for those on low incomes and a higher rate of poverty than the alternative, something I could not reasonably do.

Since the passage of the Act I have met with several disability groups to discuss its impact, how the PIP review is proceeding, and wider issues affecting disabled constituents. From talking to charities involved in the review process, the impression given is that the working group on PIP is genuinely taking place outside of spending restrictions and that it is taking into account the views of disabled people, which is very positive. However, one area I know where questions remain is over the £1bn of new money for helping those with disabilities to access work. Like many, I had assumed that at least some of this funding would go towards 'Access to Work', knowing that
constituents involved both in accessing and supplying support through the scheme have been negatively impacted by it being over-subscribed. Unfortunately, I have been unable to get that commitment at this time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7eiNL9GN4s

It would also appear that the trial schemes which are being run for supporting disabled people into work will not report back for several years, raising question as to when decisions will be taken on the £1bn of funding and on what basis:
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-18/92450

Fortunately, I have found ministers within the department to be very accessible for discussing such matters and I will be continuing to work to influence whatever proposals emerge to ensure that they help to break down barriers for disabled people, rather than building them up.

With best wishes,
Peter"

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1092361#Comment_1092361

Ive started emailing mps about Digital ID hunger strikers eroding of human rights the lot i hope your well rosie Merry Christmas

chiarieds

Sorry @Catherine21 - I've been meaning to come back to this. I think Peter Lamb has given a well considered reply.

But, what I wanted to stress, is how much you've done in emailing MPs, & personally getting me to continue doing the same. With previous uncertainties about benefits, to me you really helped to get more members involved here on Scope. Together we make a difference; you made a difference, thank you.

May I wish you all the best, & I know you'll find Christmas sad without Fifi, but she will always be there in your heart

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1092596#Comment_1092596

Oh Thankyou very much 😊 Merry Christmas to you too x