The second reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill passed on Tuesday,1 July with last-minute concessions around PIP eligibility.
We know that you are likely to have unanswered questions and uncertainty, and we will do our best to share our understanding of the latest developments.
So, what do they mean and what happens now?
Next steps?
The Bill will now be scrutinised and any potential amendments considered. It then returns to the House of Commons for its third reading on 9 July for any further amendments. MPs will then vote again. If passed, it progresses to the House of Lords.
Notable Bill news
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The four-point proposal will be removed. It means that no changes will be made to PIP eligibility, activities or descriptors until after a review has taken place, led by Sir Stephen Timms, MP.
The Government confirmed that this review “will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and MPs with the core objective of delivering better experiences and better outcomes for disabled people and people with health conditions.”
The Timms Review will consider these and more:
- the role of the PIP assessment – as the future single gateway to health-related and disability benefits
- the assessment criteria – including activities, descriptors and points
- whether any other evidence should be considered alongside the assessment
- how the PIP assessment could provide fair access to support across the benefits system
It will conclude by Autumn 2026 and its findings reported to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Universal Credit (UC)
As the Bill continues through Parliament, it is potentially new UC health element claimants that will be impacted. If passed, these payments will be halved and frozen from April 2026. We understand that existing claimants are protected from these cuts.
We are here for you
We know that the uncertainty around these reforms has been a source of huge anxiety on top of daily life, managing MS symptoms. We also know stress and anxiety can have a real impact on your symptoms. You can find links to specialist support here or get in touch with our helpline. If you are worried about the financial implications of the benefits proposals, an independent benefits adviser can help.
And finally...
The MS Trust submitted its response to the public consultation for the Pathways to Work green paper before the 30 June deadline. Its scope was limited because not all the proposals were part of this consultation. We will continue to advocate for people with MS as the disability reforms take shape. The legislative process will take time to run its course and if you have concerns you can contact your MP and help shape the parliamentary debate. These last few days have shown how our voice matters.
