Raft of benefits CUTS to be unveiled with PIP eligibility taking huge hit & 1M affected – what does it mean for you?

Andy Burnham urges 'caution'

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham urged "caution" on benefit changes.

Writing in The Times newspaper, Mr Burnham said he agreed that the welfare system needed "a radical overhaul", but said the Government should focus on helping people into work rather than simply cutting benefits.

He said: "I would share concerns about changing support and eligibility to benefits while leaving the top-down system broadly in place. It would trap too many people in poverty.

"And to be clear: there is no case in any scenario for cutting the support available to disabled people who are unable to work."

PM faces backbench discontent

Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting backbench discontent as the Government prepares to announce sweeping changes to the welfare system this week.

Several backbenchers expressed frustration at a lack of communication from ministers.

One described "engagement sessions" held by Number 10 as "a tick box exercise" and another saying many of their colleagues had made it clear they would vote against such proposals.

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "We have been clear that the current welfare system is broken and needs reform, so it is fairer on the taxpayer and helps long-term sick and disabled people who can work to find employment, whilst ensuring it provides support for those who need it most."

What is PIP and who is eligible?

Households suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through personal independence payments (PIP).

The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £184.30 a week.

PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66.

Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around - or both - for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).

You can also claim PIP if you're in or out of work and if you're already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit.

PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you.

You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £28.70 or £75.75.

On the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £72.65 or £105.55 - and you could get both elements, so up to £184.30 in total.

You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.