Reform UK’s proposal to eliminate Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for individuals with anxiety disorders deemed non-serious has sparked criticism for being harsh and inhumane. The party, led by Nigel Farage, unveiled plans to overhaul the welfare system during a press event in London, including discontinuing PIP for certain claimants and implementing more frequent assessments for eligible recipients.

Among the proposed reforms is a commitment to conduct all assessments in person and establish a streamlined process for transitioning beneficiaries back into the workforce. However, discrepancies emerged during the press conference when Lee Anderson MP and Zia Yusuf, the party’s policy chief, contradicted their earlier statement by acknowledging that most assessments are currently not conducted face-to-face.

Yusuf asserted a significant reduction in benefits expenditure, anticipating savings of £9 billion annually by 2029 through the proposed changes. Despite Reform UK’s assurance that only non-serious cases of anxiety disorders would lose PIP support, the party struggled to define the criteria for such classification when pressed by journalists at the event.

Voices of concern were raised by a PIP recipient, Danny, from London, who emphasized the crucial role of PIP in his life and highlighted the distress caused by transitioning to Universal Credit. Labour MP Jon Trickett condemned Reform UK’s plans as heartless and damaging to vulnerable groups, warning of the divisive impact on society.

Tom Pollard, representing mental health charity Mind, criticized the party for misconstruing the purpose of PIP, emphasizing that the benefit is granted based on the significant functional limitations individuals face in their daily lives, rather than merely on diagnosis. Disability charity Sense echoed the sentiment, describing PIP as a vital support system for disabled individuals and denouncing any form of mistreatment during assessments.

Labour MP Debbie Abrahams stressed the importance of a compassionate approach to social welfare, cautioning against severe repercussions of withdrawing essential support from those in need. During the press conference, Mr. Anderson advocated for a work-centric approach to treatment, citing personal experience as proof of the therapeutic effects of returning to work.

The controversy surrounding PIP eligibility has resurfaced following Labour’s failed attempt earlier this year to restrict access to the benefit. The government has since commissioned a review of PIP, led by disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms, with findings expected by autumn 2026.