Our CEO Rachel Kirby-Rider responds to UK Government’s Welfare Bill

“It’s concerning to see the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill pass to the next stage.  

“The Bill as it stands still risks leaving young people with cancer without vital support. Although UK Government has now promised that changes to PIP won’t take place until the outcomes of the review of the PIP assessment are known, this review has only just begun. This does not yet provide any real reassurance that we will see positive changes to the support disabled people need.  

“The PIP review must be done with meaningful involvement of the people impacted as promised – including young people with cancer. It must not result in a two-tier system, and never result in young people with cancer being worse off and with less support than before. We’re ready and willing to work with UK Government to make this happen. 

“We won’t stand for disabled people’s rights and support being stripped away. This includes all the young people with cancer that we support, and those yet to be diagnosed. 

“Young people with cancer and their families are already struggling with the additional costs that come with cancer, despite current support. From having to wait to be eligible for PIP and DLA, to complex forms and delays in processing applications, the system is already not working for young people with cancer. But taking away financial support is not the answer.  

“We’re asking MPs to stand up for disabled people, and vote down any version of the Bill that isn’t fit for purpose next week, or ensure significant changes – including those promised by UK Government – are delivered, to stop those who need it most being left without the financial support they need and deserve.”