We Need to Talk Honestly About the Human Cost of PIP Cuts

Opinion by Scarlett Red

There’s no easy way to say this: the planned cuts to PIP are deeply worrying. I’ve worked in journalism and broadcasting long enough to know when something doesn’t sit right, and this is one of those moments.

While Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the cuts are part of a wider effort to “save £5 billion” and invest in services like the NHS and housing, the truth is that the burden is falling on some of the most vulnerable people in society. PIP isn’t just a payment - it’s a lifeline. It helps people afford the extra costs of disability: therapies, equipment, personal care, transport. It supports independence and dignity.

There’s been a lot of negative chatter on social media recently - people implying that PIP is widely abused or that claimants are undeserving. But the data shows that less than 1% of PIP claims are fraudulent. That’s an incredibly small number, and yet the language used in public discourse is often far more damaging than the reality.

Let’s be clear: if these cuts go ahead as planned, an estimated 800,000 people could lose their support. For some, that will mean losing over £6,000 a year - a staggering amount for anyone, let alone those already facing higher living costs due to disability. Disabled families and disabled single parents will be disproportionately affected. This is not just a budget decision. It’s a moral one.

If you’re reading this and you’re worried about the changes—or if someone you care about is affected—please know you’re not alone. There are people and organisations who can help:

Support and Advice:

- Scope – Offers advice on PIP and disability rights: www.scope.org.uk

- Mind – Mental health support for those affected: www.mind.org.uk

- Money & Mental Health Policy Institute – Information on financial and mental wellbeing: www.moneyandmentalhealth.org

- Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) – Advocacy, protests, and peer support: www.dpac.uk.net

It’s not just about figures on a spreadsheet. It’s about people and equality. Let's start to speak up.

Photo of a hand on a wheelchair wheel. there is a street in the background.