Victoria Collins MP Urges the Government to rethink PIP cuts

2 June 2025

Shocking new data provided in response to a Liberal Democrat parliamentary question has revealed that a staggering 85% of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants in Harpenden & Berkhamsted are at risk of seeing their support slashed under the government’s new welfare reforms.

Victoria Collins MP for Harpenden & Berkhamsted, is urging the government to rethink these planned PIP cuts before vulnerable constituents lose crucial support.

Someone’s eligibility for PIP is determined by how they score in assessments of their ability to carry out key daily activities, like washing or cooking. They are assigned a score from 1 to 12 for each, with the total determining how much support they qualify for (either an enhanced or standard rate of PIP).

The support received through PIP then helps them to meet the additional costs arising from their disability or health condition, which are associated with everyday tasks (if they qualify for the ‘daily living’ component) or moving and travelling (if they qualify for the ‘mobility’ component). 

But under the government’s planned welfare reforms, from November 2026 people qualifying for PIP will have to score a minimum of 4 points in at least one daily living activity to receive support with everyday tasks. 

Claimants who score less - including the 85% PIP claimants in Harpenden & Berkhamsted who scored less than 4 points in all daily living activities - will lose access to the ‘daily living’ component. For some, this could mean their PIP is fully withdrawn.

Victoria has slammed the government for this impact of their PIP reforms, which is set to leave many vulnerable people without vital support.

Victoria said:

“This data should be a wake up call for the government, forcing them to recognise the reality of how damaging their PIP cuts will be for residents of Harpenden & Berkhamsted.

“At present, PIP provides key support with the activities that so many of us take for granted. It’s truly shocking that the government are content with revoking this for so many people who currently rely on it, and who are now deeply concerned about what these welfare reforms will mean for them.

“I’ll continue pressing for clarity on this, and urging the government to rethink these ill-thought-through changes set to slash support that is critical in allowing people to stay safe, stay clean, work, and support themselves financially.”

Furthermore, Victoria has asked numerous parliamentary questions on this issue, seeking assurances from the government on how they will continue supporting carers and people with health conditions and disabilities, and protect claimants from unnecessary reassessments.

In Parliament, Victoria also urged the government to raise revenue through alternative means, like taxing social media giants:

“Does the Secretary of State agree with the Liberal Democrats that, given this public health crisis and the massive profits made by social media giants such as Musk, we should look to seek revenues from a digital service tax, rather than cutting benefits from disabled people and struggling families?”