Many of Jo’s constituents have asked about her stance on the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill – commonly referred to as the Welfare Bill – that was debated in Parliament this week in its Second Reading.

In response, Jo Platt said: “I understand people are concerned about what this Bill means for people here in Leigh and Atherton who rely on disability benefits like PIP or Universal Credit with a health element.

“It’s worth mentioning that the Bill we voted through was significantly different to the one discussed in the media beforehand.

“Let me be clear: I believe our welfare system needs reform. It must support people to live with dignity, reflect modern realities, and provide meaningful help to those who can and want to work. But reform must be done carefully, fairly, and with the full involvement of disabled people.

“That’s why I supported a Reasoned Amendment calling for key changes and in response to pressure from campaigners, constituents and MPs across the House, the Government has made important concessions. Plans to change PIP for existing claimants have been dropped, key reforms are now delayed until after the Assessments Review – led by the Minister for Social Security and Disability, and there’s been a guarantee that future changes will be evidence-based and properly consulted on with disabled people and support organisations.

“Thanks to these concessions, many of us felt able to support the revised Bill to allow the review to begin.

“I’m pleased to have helped shape these reforms. But the work is not done. I will continue to work with the Government to create a welfare system that can serve as both a safety net for those unable to work and a springboard for those who can.

“I will be watching the review process closely – and I will be pushing for much greater clarity and security for people living with chronic illnesses and fluctuating conditions, whose needs are often misunderstood or overlooked in benefit assessments.

“If you or someone close to you receives PIP or UC because of a long-term condition, I want to hear from you. Your experiences should shape the system – not be left out of it.”

Watch Jo’s statement below:

Jo’s team includes a specialist welfare advisor – and they are ready to support you.

You can contact Jo’s office by emailing: jo.platt.mp@parliament.uk.