PIP cuts: Government changes could affect 86% of claimants in Bristol

Bristol Liberal Democrats have called for the Government to urgently change course and rethink their planned cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), with new data showing that 86% of Bristolians claiming the payment could lose at least some of their benefit. 

A written parliamentary question by Liberal Democrat MPs found that across the South West, 85% of those claiming the standard rate of Personal Independence Payment for daily living activities could lose at least some of the benefit following the Government’s cuts.

In Bristol, 86% of claimants scored less than 4 points, meaning that they could miss out on crucial support. 

The planned cuts to disability support come after the Government’s changes to employer’s National Insurance contributions (ENICs) put additional strain on the Council’s finances. Left over by the previous Labour administration, the Council faced a funding shortfall of £52m in the setting of this year’s budget – made worse by the £6.6m of additional cost due to the changes to ENICs.

With Councils across the country facing funding crises, and a Government that is unwilling to fund local authorities properly, the cuts to PIP will be even more devastating as Councils will not be able to provide for the missing support that disabled people rely on.

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 Liberal Democrat Group Leader on Bristol City Council has emphasised that this could lead to vulnerable people missing out on vital support, and has called on the Government to “urgently change course”. 

Cllr Jos Clark (Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Brislington West) said:

“These changes to Personal Independence Payments are deeply concerning, and I’m worried about what it could mean for vulnerable residents in Bristol who could lose vital parts of the benefit. 

“Large numbers of people could miss out on this support, which helps people with daily tasks that many of us would take for granted, such as staying clean or staying safe. Many people depend on this vital help to stay in work and support themselves financially.

“The Government has to recognise that what they’re doing is wrong, and change course before it’s too late for people in our communities.”

Notes to Editors:

• A link to the full set of data can be found here.
• First reported by the i here.
• Steve Darling’s Written Parliamentary Question can be found here.
• News story about ENIC changes can be found here: The cost of Labour’s National Insurance hike revealed - Bristol Liberal Democrats