The UK Government has officially launched a 12-week public consultation on its proposed welfare reforms that will affect millions of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. The goal is to reshape benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit, and ensure that the system works better for both individuals and the economy.
This major consultation, which runs until June 30, 2025, is your chance to have a say in the future of disability benefits in the UK.
What Is the Consultation About?
The consultation is based on the Pathways to Work Green Paper, published on April 7. It outlines changes to health and disability support, with a focus on:
- Helping more people into work
- Supporting those who can never work
- Making the welfare system more sustainable
- Reducing bureaucracy and improving benefit delivery
According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), one in three people in the UK now lives with a long-term health condition. This consultation aims to build a benefit system that supports people to stay in work or return to work where possible, while protecting those who genuinely cannot work.
What Does Sir Stephen Timms Say?
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms emphasised the importance of disabled voices in the decision-making process:
“We inherited a broken welfare system… we want a system that genuinely works for disabled people and those with health conditions.”
He encouraged individuals, charities, and disability organisations to engage with the consultation so their views help shape the proposed reforms.
What Are the Proposed Changes?
The reforms focus on making the system fairer, simpler, and more flexible:
1. Tailored Employment Support
Offering customised help for people who want to work, including removing barriers and creating more opportunities.
2. Simplifying the System
Reducing the number of repeated assessments and making benefits easier to understand and apply for.
3. Better Financial Support
Targeting PIP payments towards those with the highest needs, and reviewing Universal Credit payments to reflect people’s true circumstances.
4. Reforming Health and Disability Benefits
Reintroducing reassessments for people receiving incapacity benefits, especially if they may now be able to work.
5. Collaboration Committees
These new committees will bring together disabled people and experts to give real feedback on specific areas of reform and make recommendations.
Why Are These Reforms Needed?
The DWP says the current welfare system:
- Can discourage people from working
- Costs could rise to £70 billion per year by the end of the decade
- Needs to be fit for future generations who may face long-term conditions
Without reform, the system could become unsustainable and fail to deliver proper support to those in genuine need.
How to Take Part in the Consultation
If you’re affected by PIP, Universal Credit, or health-related benefits, or support someone who is, this is your chance to help shape future policy.
You can:
- Read the Pathways to Work Green Paper
- Respond to the consultation on the official GOV.UK website
- Share your views through a disability organisation or charity
The consultation is open until June 30, 2025, and responses will help influence decisions about future legislation.
The UK Government’s latest welfare reform consultation is a critical moment for disabled people and their families. With the chance to influence real change, your voice could help design a system that better supports people into work, respects their dignity, and ensures benefits go to those who need them most.
If you or someone you know may be affected, make sure to take part in the consultation before the deadline.
FAQ’s
When does the welfare consultation close?
The UK Government’s consultation on welfare reform is open until June 30, 2025.
What benefits are being reviewed in this consultation?
The consultation focuses on changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit, and support for people with long-term health conditions.
Who can respond to the consultation?
Anyone affected by PIP or Universal Credit, disability charities, carers, or organisations supporting disabled people can take part.
What is the aim of the new reforms?
To help people into work, support those who cannot work, simplify the benefit system, and ensure it’s sustainable for the future.
Where can I find the Pathways to Work Green Paper?
You can access the full document and submit your views directly through the official GOV.UK website.
