Leigh and Atherton residents have been contacting local MP Jo Platt to express their worries about the potential changes to disability benefits.

The Government has published a Pathways to Work Green Paper and it has opened consultation into the changes.

This consultation is asking for views on the approaches government should consider around the reform of the health and disability benefits system and employment support.

This is a crucial opportunity to share your views and ensure your voice is heard. The consultation closes on 30th June 2025.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the potential changes:

• Pathways to Work Programme: This programme will receive £1billion annual investment to provide work, health and skills support. This will be one of the largest investments ever in helping disabled people access job opportunities.
• Life-Long Conditions: No repeated medical assessments for conditions like MND, Spina Bifida, etc. (no official list yet).
• Mobility Element of Personal Independence Payment (PIP): No changes. Access to the Motability scheme stays the same.
• Daily Living Component of PIP: To qualify, you’ll need to score 4 points or above on at least 1 of the 12 daily living descriptors, showing you need supervision/assistance (not just aids/adaptations). You will still need to score a minimum of 8 points in total.
• PIP Changes: Not applicable yet. Any changes to PIP will happen in November 2026. Those currently on PIP will not be impacted by any change until their next reassessment after the date above.
• Under 22s: PIP will no longer apply to those under 18, who will remain on DLA instead. Young people will no longer be entitled to the health allowance of Universal Credit. Underpinning of Youth Guarantee with savings reinvested into work support, and savings reinvested into work support and training opportunities for our young people.
• UC Right to Try Policy: You can try working without losing your claim. This is particularly beneficial for younger claimants with learning disabilities, mental health issues, or neurodivergence.
• Work Capability Assessment (WCA): To be scrapped in 2028, eliminating the need for 2 medical assessments.
• UC Health Element: New claimants will get £50/week from 2026/27, and the standard allowance will rise over the years. Those with severe conditions will have their incomes protected without reassessments.
• Unemployment Insurance: Will replace Employment & Support Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance at a higher rate, improving benefits for jobseekers.

Click here to have your say.

You can read Jo Platt’s statement on the proposed changes here: