MPs debated the Universal Credit Bill in the house of Commons on 9th July 2025. The name of the Bill changed from the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill to the Universal Credit Bill after a series of earlier Government concessions. The Bill in its existing form has now passed its third reading. A review into proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is expected to conclude in autumn 2026.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, said:
“It was important to see further discussion around a review into the rules for future Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants, to be co-produced with disabled people and disabled groups. During the debate Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, gave reassurances that disabled people will be meaningfully engaged and, once review recommendations are published, there will be a general debate on this before legislation to implement changes.
“The current system means that benefits for unpaid carers and those they care for are intrinsically linked. Carers UK and the Carer Poverty Coalition, led by Carers UK, wants to see engagement on and with unpaid carers - to consider the impact of these proposals on unpaid carers and protect against cuts to support. We welcome the acknowledgement from Sir Stephen Timms that this should be considered, and we want to be part of this vital conversation.
“Despite earlier Government concessions, this Bill will still have financial consequences for those with health conditions and unpaid carers who support them. New claimants for the LCWRA element of Universal Credit will receive significantly less financial support. This reduction in household income will leave those with disabilities and their families substantially worse off in the future.
“1.2 million unpaid carers are living in poverty in the UK, which is still a matter of great concern. We need more recognition for the fact that carers often face inequalities. The risk of financial hardship increases the longer you care and the more hours of care you provide - impacting people well into the future, even after they have finished caring.
“With many people telling us that they feel the Government’s proposals on reforming disability benefits do not fully consider the implications for unpaid carers, we need to see further evidence of this including a detailed assessment of the impact these will have on rates of poverty amongst carers and their ability to juggle work and care.”