House of Lords PIP's Debate

The House of Lords has voted to "regret" the government's latest changes to disability benefits, and has called for a review of the impact.

The government intends to prevent any increase in the kind of people who can claim Personal Independence Payments or PIPs. The move follows a court ruling that widened the criteria, and would allow people with mental illnesses to be able to claim help with travel.

A Lib Dem attempt to kill off the government changes failed. But the Labour motion, which simply criticises the government, was carried by 162 votes to 154. However, the motion has no material effect on the benefit.

ABC comment: an amendment or motion may be moved regretting some aspect of a statutory instrument but in no way requiring the government to take action. This provides an opportunity for critical views to appear on the order paper and be voted upon which would otherwise simply be voiced in the debate.

Liberal Democrats Comments

Following Labour’s failure in the House of Lords tonight to join the Lib Dems in voting to stop damaging Government cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) Baroness Celia Thomas, Lords Spokesperson for Disability, said:“These hastily drawn-up Regulations are a disgrace.  By withdrawing the highest rate of mobility support to some of the most vulnerable claimants, the Government are condemning many to a housebound existence.
 
“We had a chance to stop this. The Liberal Democrats voted to end it. Labour did not support us, they did not support those vulnerable people set to have their lives ruined by a Conservative Government intent on making cuts no matter how damaging.   
 
“Labour have once again shown their spineless inability to take a stand. Like tax credits we could have forced the Government to think again but instead they voted only for their limp motion which will ultimately do nothing to alter the course of Government.“The Liberal Democrats are the only true voice of opposition, standing up to this reckless and uncaring Conservative