The information might’ve been difficult to follow so we wanted to make sure that everyone is informed on what happened.
We are incredibly disappointed in the outcome having campaigned against this bill. We will be looking at what we can do before the 3rd reading and the vote that happens on 9th July.
You can also read our original Instagram post or the PDF version: What do the Welfare Reforms mean?
What was this vote about?
On 1st July 2025 in London, there was a vote on what the Government called the Welfare Reform bill.
This vote was to change how Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) work.
The words 'welfare reform' are used to cover the many changes being made to the social security (benefits) system.
Is this now law?
A bill is a proposal for a new law.
This was the second reading of this bill in London. There are three readings and votes of a bill before it can become law.
There will be a final vote on this bill on 9th July 2025 in London.
Personal Independence Payment
What is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you are a Disabled person.
You can get PIP if you are not in work or out of work. PIP is not a out-of-work benefit.
What the Government wanted to do
For PIP, the Government's original plan was to limit who was able to apply for this support.
Last week, the Government said that changes could apply for PIP would happen from November 2026.
The Government changed their mind because they were worried that MPs wouldn't vote for the bill.
Yesterday, on the day of the vote, the Government changed their mind again. They now say that changes will happen after a review in November 2026.
Universal Credit
What is UC?
Universal Credit (UC) helps to pay your living costs. You can get UC if you are not in work or if you receive a very low income.
Part of UC is the limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA).
LCWRA provides additional financial support for people who are too ill to work.
What the Government wanted to do
For UC, the Government's original plan was to make sure that people with severe health conditions will not be reassessed.
However, they also planned for people who already receive LCWRA to have their payments frozen.
This means that the payments will not increase, even with everything getting more expensive.
Their plan for new people applying for LCWRA is that they would have half the amount of those who already receive it.
What happened in the vote?
The vote for Universal Credit was agreed. The LCWRA will be mostly frozen for people currently receving it and halved for new people applying for it.
The PIP changes are now delayed until at least November 2026.
What did Bristol MPs do?
There are five MPs representing Bristol. BDEF has asked all Bristol MPs to vote 'against' this bill.
All four Bristol Labour MPs vote 'for' this bill. The one Bristol Green MP voted 'against' this bill.
