Cliff Notes
- The government has performed a U-turn on welfare reforms after pressure from 126 Labour backbenchers, who signed an amendment to stall the bill.
- Changes to the Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) bills are aimed at creating a “fairer, more compassionate system,” but significant dissent remains among Labour MPs.
- Experts warn that these concessions could incur up to £3 billion in costs and raise the likelihood of tax increases in the future.
Concessions to welfare reforms to be revealed after Labour backbench rebellion forces government retreat
Changes to welfare reforms, forced on the government by rebel Labour MPs, are being revealed today ahead of a crucial vote.
The government, which insisted welfare costs were becoming unsustainable, was forced into a U-turn after 126 Labour backbenchers signed an amendment that would have halted the bill at its first Commons hurdle.
While the amendment is expected to be withdrawn, after changes that appeased some Labour MPs, others are still unhappy and considering backing a similar amendment to be tabled today.