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Eight Out of Ten PIP Claimants in Guildford Face Cuts to Their “Lifeline”

Published on: 5 Jun, 2025
Updated on: 5 Jun, 2025

Liberal Democrats at Westminster say that a written Parliamentary Question has revealed  that in 55 constituencies in England and Wales, 90 per cent of those claiming the standard rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for daily living activities could lose at least some of the benefit following the Government’s cuts.

The Government says that the new measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is “fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill, while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support they need as part of the Government’s Plan for Change”.

Zöe Franklin, Liberal Democrat MP for Guildford, had some sympathy for the Government. “Sorting out the financial mess left by 16 years of the Conservatives is an enormous task,” she said.

Guildford’s MP in the House of Commons

But she feels the new Labour Government promised that those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden. “I have always argued that the planned cuts to disability benefits are deeply unfair. This will be a savage blow to those who can least afford it.”

Under the Government’s plans, from November 2026 people on PIP will be required to score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to receive support with everyday tasks such as washing and cooking. Those scoring less will lose access to the “daily living” component, which for some will result in a full withdrawal of the benefit.

The proposal is known to be causing concern among Labour backbenchers too.

Liberal Democrat analysis suggests 81 per cent of people claiming PIP in the Guildford constituency scored less than four points, meaning that they could miss out on crucial support and lose some, or all of the allowance.

Franklin continued: “The letters and emails I receive every day from people in Guildford and our villages are heart-breaking.

“PIP is not a ‘bonus’ – the allowance is a vital lifeline which helps people to live as independent and dignified a life as possible, to contribute to our community, and let’s remember that many people depend on their PIP allowance to stay in work and to support themselves financially.

“One young constituent told me: ‘All of my money goes on disability adaptations, and even then I cannot buy them all. I cannot save for a house. I cannot have fun. I cannot further my own progress in my career. You know, the things a twenty something should be worrying about. And now, Zöe, I’m scared that this will be the way for the rest of my life.’

“Another constituent told me that his PIP allowance helps him to provide help and support to people in his community, and his work gives him a sense of pride and purpose: ‘As a disabled person, PIP has enabled me to work in crucial roles, such as supporting students and providing critical assistance in Safe Havens for those experiencing mental health crises.

‘Without PIP, the additional costs I face – including accommodation, transport, food, and managing my health conditions – would make it impossible for me to continue these roles. PIP is not just financial support; it’s a lifeline that ensures disabled individuals like myself remain active, engaged, and contributing members of society.'”

The Guildford MP concluded: “The Government must listen to people the cuts will impact, and to its own backbenchers who are also bitterly opposed to the plans. The Government is wrong and must change course.”

Guildford Labour was invited to comment.

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