Meg's statement: Government changes on welfare and reform

Statement from Dame Meg Hillier MP on the Government changes on welfare and reform.

“This is a positive outcome that has seen the Government listen and engage with the concerns of Labour MPs and their constituents.

“It’s encouraging that we have reached what I believe is a workable compromise that will protect disabled people and support people back into work while ensuring the welfare system can be meaningfully reformed.

“This means that disabled people currently in receipt of PIP and the health element of universal credit will continue to receive the same level of support.

“That future changes to disability support will be co-produced with disabled people, building on the work of Minister Stephen Timms MP to create a system that involves disabled people in decisions about their lives. 

“And that employment support will be brought forward and substantially improved so that people who want to work are not trapped in the benefit system. 

“This is a good and workable compromise and shows that the Labour Government has listened and that working together with Labour MPs can move forward to support vulnerable disabled people, reform the welfare system in a just and inclusive way and contribute towards the economic growth and prosperity this country so desperately needs.”