An analysis has revealed that more than half of Labour MPs represent constituencies where the number of disability benefit claimants exceeds their majority. Specifically, 212 Labour MPs in England and Wales have more constituents on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) than their winning margin at the 2024 general election, which constitutes 58 percent of the party's total 366 seats in these regions, according to The Times.
The analysis also indicates that over 100 Labour MPs have more PIP claimants for mental health conditions, such as anxiety, ADHD, and autism, than the size of their majority. Since taking office, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed intentions to address the rising welfare costs but has ruled out significant cuts to benefits, citing potential backlash from Labour MPs against a punitive approach to welfare spending.
Earlier this month, Burnham stated in the House of Commons that national security 'cannot come at the expense of social security.' This statement followed pressure from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who urged the Prime Minister to reduce the benefits bill to increase defense spending.
As of July 2023, the number of individuals claiming PIP, the primary disability benefit in England and Wales, reached a record high of 4.09 million. PIP is designed to assist those with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities with everyday tasks and additional living costs. The benefit is not means-tested and can provide up to £194 per week.
Expenditure on PIP was £16.3 billion in 2019-20, adjusted for inflation, and is projected to rise to £41.5 billion by 2030-31, according to figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Pat McFadden, the Work and Pensions Secretary, represents a constituency with more PIP claimants than his majority, with 11,646 PIP recipients in Wolverhampton South East, compared to his 9,188-vote majority. Similarly, Burnham won a 9,231-vote majority in Makerfield, where there were 8,776 PIP claimants as of July.
The analysis also found that 89 Labour MPs have double the number of PIP claimants compared to their majority votes. A government-commissioned review into the disability benefits system, led by social security minister Sir Stephen Timms, is expected to be published this autumn. The interim findings of the review indicated that the system is 'no longer fit for purpose.'
Senior Conservative MP Helen Whatley criticized Labour's approach to welfare, stating that it should serve as a safety net rather than a lifestyle choice. She claimed that Labour has made benefits easier to claim while making jobs harder to obtain. John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, emphasized that welfare policy should prioritize sustainability and fairness for taxpayers rather than the electoral interests of MPs.
A spokesperson for the DWP stated that the Timms review's interim report highlighted the need for reform, and the final report's recommendations, due in autumn, will guide sustainable changes. The DWP is already taking steps to improve the welfare system, including increasing face-to-face assessments and extending award review periods to save approximately £2 billion while alleviating pressure on disabled individuals.