Early evening summary
Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, has told MPS that the government is spending another £300m on measures to get sick and disabled people back into work. (See 3.10pm.) This is the latest concession to Labour rebels, and Kendall set it out in a statement to MPs lasting almost two hours. But many of them remain opposed to the bill, and Kendall was challenged repeatedly to explain why the government is legislating to change the way Personal independence payment (Pip) is paid – before waiting for the outcome the the review it is setting up to consider its future. (See 3.33pm and 4.06pm.) MPs vote on the bill tomorrow night.
DWP confirms 4-point rule won't apply to existing Pip claimants reassessed in future - after Kendall mis-speak implies otherwise
The Department for Work and Pensions has released a letter that Stephen Timms has sent to MPs about the concessions on the welfare bill. It contains a Q&A, and the text of the amendments relating to Pip.
The Q&A covers what will happen to existing Pip claimants if their claims are reassessed. It says:
What has changed?
As part of our measures to strengthen the UC and Pip bill, we will bring forward an amendment for Commons committee so that the 4-point minimum only applies to new claims. This means that no existing claimants will be subject to the 4-point requirement, including if they undergo an award review, whether planned or due to a change in circumstances. Those making a new claim after the measure comes into force (not before November 2026) will be subject to the 4-point requirement.
Earlier in the Commons Liz Kendall seemed to the opposite, implied that existing claimants would be subject to the four-point rule if they ask for a reassessment after November 2026. (See 4.38pm.) But DWP sources have said Kendall mis-spoke, and that the situation is as set out in the DWP Q&A.
Updated
