The Mobility experts at EMS Lifts have highlighted their concerns over the new Universal Credit and PIP bill, which, even with recent alterations, may still pose a risk to access for equipment and adaptations.
Although alterations to the PIP element of the bill have spared recipients some of the worst potential effects, new claimants will receive a reduced form of Universal Credit Health Element, dropping from £97 per week to £50.
The warning comes as new data from the Tax Payers Alliance shows that the number of PIP claimants in London rose from 250,795 in April 2020 to 444,536 in April 2025, with Newham having the second highest total with 18,170 claimants overall.
While existing claimants have some protection from this, their higher payment rate is only locked in till 2030, at which point they may find themselves with the new lower amount.
Matt Armstrong of EMS Lifts warned that these cuts could have a dramatic impact on the lives of those who rely on the benefit, stating:
“Every day, we see people who need adaptations to their homes and additional equipment to deal with the effects of their disability. Effectively cutting the rate in half will mean people won’t be able to afford the support they desperately need.”
“These changes are moving through parliament at a time when Scope has estimated that additional costs for disabled people are due to rise to £1,224 per month by the end of the decade.
“Their estimates mean that by 2030, the amount someone with a disability will have to find on top of their benefits will rise from £630 at present to an additional £704 per month.
“The changes to benefits could mean the difference between someone being able to afford the maintenance of something like a powered chair or mean they’re not able to lease a wheelchair, for example.
“Additionally, the changes open the possibility of a system in which your ability to afford equipment depends on whether you already have benefits awarded, or whether you’re a new claimant.
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