Disability charity in England and Wales advancing attitudes, services, and education since 1952
Labour's leadership contest is shaping how welfare reform is framed. Milburn has argued the government should pursue reform focused on work incentives rather than pure cost cutting, and has held talks with Andy Burnham who is seen as open to revisiting welfare policies during this parliament.
The number of people claiming the personal independence payment has risen to about 4.1 million, with interim reviews calling the system “not fit for purpose.” A final Timms-led assessment is due later this year, with recommendations that could include more face-to-face assessments and mixed cash/non-cash support, while overall welfare spending remains a political flashpoint.