Green Paper Related Discussions

I thought I'd share some examples of where past governments have scrapped or stopped proposals to benefits, including PIP, mainly due to public opposition and outrage. It proves we do still have hope these cruel 'reforms' will be scrapped.

🛑 1. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP – Cuts Reversed (2016)

What happened:
The Conservative government planned to cut £1.3 billion from PIP by tightening rules on aids and appliances (such as grab rails or walking sticks) for daily living.

Public reaction:
There was massive backlash from disabled people, charities (like Scope and Disability Rights UK), and even some Conservative MPs.

Result:
Then-Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith resigned, criticising the policy as unfair. Within days, the government scrapped the cuts entirely.

🟢 Proof that high-profile resignations, media coverage, and disabled-led opposition can lead to full reversals.

🛑 2. Tax Credit Cuts – Reversed After House of Lords Rebellion (2015)

What happened:
George Osborne proposed deep cuts to working tax credits, which would have hit millions of low-income working families.

Public reaction:
Heavy media scrutiny, strong opposition from Labour and even Tory backbenchers, and public protests.

Result:
The House of Lords blocked the plans, and Osborne was forced to abandon the cuts in full in his Autumn Statement.

🟢 A major government retreat due to cross-party and public opposition.

🛑 3. Bedroom Tax for Severely Disabled Children – Partial Concession (2013)

What happened:
The "bedroom tax" penalised people on housing benefit for having "extra" bedrooms — affecting many disabled families.

Public reaction:
Legal challenges and campaigns pointed out it discriminated against disabled children needing separate bedrooms.

Result:
Government made exceptions for some disabled children after court rulings and political pressure.

🟢 Legal action plus campaigning can force policy tweaks even after a law is in place.

🛑 4. Personal Independence Payment Mobility Changes – Blocked in Court (2017)

What happened:
The DWP changed PIP rules to restrict eligibility for people with psychological distress, limiting their access to mobility support.

Public reaction:
Charities and claimants launched a judicial review.

Result:
In 2017, the High Court ruled the changes were ‘blatantly discriminatory’. The government did not appeal and had to reassess 1.6 million claims.

🟢 The courts can overturn even implemented policy changes if they breach human rights or equality law.

🛑 5. Work Capability Assessment (WCA) – Maximus Contract Scaled Back (2015–2019)

What happened:
Following Atos's departure, Maximus took over WCA assessments amid widespread complaints about unfair treatment of disabled claimants.

Public reaction:
Disabled activists, journalists, and even UN reports highlighted systemic harm caused by the WCA.

Result:
The government announced a shift toward fewer repeat assessments for people with long-term conditions. Public outrage also led to repeated delays in "reforms".

🟢 Sustained activism helped reduce the burden of reassessments and exposed flaws in disability assessments.

🛑 6. National Disability Strategy – Declared Unlawful (2022)

What happened:
The government launched the National Disability Strategy without proper consultation.

Public reaction:
Disabled campaigners took it to court.

Result:
The High Court ruled it was unlawful, as disabled people weren’t genuinely consulted.

🟢 Disabled people’s voices, when organised and strategic, have legal power.

⚡ Takeaway for Today’s PIP Campaign

• The government does U-turns when faced with serious public and political resistance.
• Judicial reviews and court challenges have a strong track record on disability benefits.
• High-profile media coverage, especially when highlighting real people's stories, can shame politicians into action.
• Persistence works — even if progress feels slow or uncertain.