StepChange responds to Universal Credit and PIP Bill
1 July 2025
StepChange Debt Charity is pleased to see there will be a review of the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) through the Sir Stephen Timms review.
Richard Lane, Chief Client Officer at StepChange Debt Charity, said:
"We welcome the Government's decision to delay any major changes to PIP until after a review to be led by Sir Stephen Timms MP. By committing to this review, the Government is rightly recognising the need for proper scrutiny of its proposals, including engagement with disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
"We support the principle of making access to good, well-paid work more equitable, as well as ensuring that disabled people and people with long-term health conditions are supported to stay in work. But crucially, disabled people have additional needs and whether they are in work or not, they are likely to need extra support to lead an independent, dignified life.
"Our polling shows people receiving working age health and disability payments are nearly twice as likely to be in serious debt (15%) compared to the general population (8%). This is often due to higher living costs and limited financial resilience. Without a stronger social security system, they remain more vulnerable to financial hardship.
"We want to see a benefits system that reflects the true cost of living with a disability or health condition - one that ensures people can make ends meet and build financial resilience."
Notes to editors
- All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4,613 adults. These figures are based on a sub-set of 353 respondents receiving PIP/DLA. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th - 21st January 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).