The government has announced significant changes to the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), with the most drastic effects expected in Easington, County Durham. In March, then work and pensions secretary Mel Stride announced that he would make it harder to qualify for PIP from November 2026. These cuts would mean that Easington could lose an average of £409 per working-age person each year, experts estimate.
Easington has its own specific challenges that are considerable, but it’s not unique. Blackpool South and the North East constituencies of Houghton and Sunderland South and Hartlepool are likely to take a hit. Those changes will impact about 430,000 future beneficiaries. They will be getting significantly fewer dollars than they would have under the old eligibility criteria.
As it stands, nearly 3.7 million people in England and Wales now receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is the only working-age benefit explicitly limited to those aged 16 up to state pension age. All of this belies the government’s stated objective of creating a sustainable welfare system. It will empower ill and disabled persons, allowing them to overcome obstacles and raise their quality of life.
Prof. Clare Bambra from Newcastle University was at the center of research that examined the impact of PIP eligibility cuts. She made the case that these cuts hit local communities and economies the hardest. She drew attention to the economic squeeze on places like Easington, which are already under considerable pressure.
“Every PIP claimant in Easington who loses money then doesn’t have money to spend in local shops.” – Prof Clare Bambra
This decrease in net income has a direct negative effect on PIP claimants. It creates a domino effect that harms local businesses and vital community services. Prof. Bambra noted that the areas most impacted by these proposals have already suffered from austerity measures, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“Those areas that will lose most from this proposal were already decimated by austerity, Covid and the cost of living crisis.” – Prof Clare Bambra
She emphasized that these areas often have deteriorated health outcomes compared to other neighborhoods. This lack of connectivity and support only exacerbates the difficulties that local communities and businesses are enduring.
“Losses of this magnitude risk worsening the situation for everyone living in these deprived constituencies.” – Prof Clare Bambra
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has framed the changes as part of a broader initiative to enhance employment opportunities. A spokesperson further explained that their approach involves building broad coalitions across industries and sectors to drive reforms that increase job creation and economic opportunity.
“As part of our Plan For Change, we’re creating a sustainable welfare system that delivers proper support to help sick and disabled people break down barriers, unlock work, boost living standards and grow the economy.” – DWP spokesperson
