Teesside MPs have reacted to social security changes announced by the Government this week.
On Tuesday, 18 March, the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, announced proposals in the House of Commons, which she said will “fix the broken benefits system”. The announcement came alongside the publication of the Pathways to Work Green Paper.
Concerns have been raised both before and after the announcement surrounding the changes. While Ms Kendall allayed some of these fears, she couldn’t please everyone, including some of those in her own party.
Changes proposed included stopping those under 22 years of age from claiming the “health top up” (incapacity benefit) to universal credit. Additionally, the health top up fixed in cash terms under universal credit for existing claimants will be frozen at £97 per week. For new claimants, the amount will be reduced to £50 per week in 2026/2027.
The Department for Work and Pensions described the changes as the “largest welfare reforms for a generation” and argued that the updated system will “help sick and disabled people who can and have the potential to work into jobs – backed by a £1 billion investment”. The DWP said the reform package was “significant” and that it is expected to save over £5 billion in 2029 to 2030.
Teesside’s MPs have set out their views on the changes. While the overriding sentiment from Labour MPs was supportive of the changes, Andy McDonald MP was more reserved, highlighting his concerns with the proposed tightening of eligibility when it comes to personal independence payments.
The region’s only Conservative MP Matt Vickers said the changes were rushed “with no proper consultation”. He added that the changes were another example of promising one thing to voters, then “turning their backs on them.”
MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East Andy McDonald said that the Government has rightly recognised that the current system is not “fit for purpose”, and that much of what has been announced should be “welcomed”, but he added: “I am concerned that this social security reform package is being driven by an understandable demand to reduce spending but that more is needed to ensure the results are equitable and fair.”
Mr McDonald highlighted his worries surrounding changes to the universal credit system “so the health element will be reduced, and then the eligibility for personal independence payments is going to be tightened”. He added: “The Government must convince social security recipients, and disability and advice stakeholder organisations, that those who are dependent on these measures to hold their lives together will not be affected detrimentally, if it is also to convince MPs to support these proposals.”
Conservative MP for Stockton West Matt Vickers said: “These cuts are a panic from the Labour Government, following their autumn budget which has stifled growth, damaged confidence and seen borrowing soar. It’s a rushed measure with no proper consultation that lacks strategic direction, and fails to adequately address the soaring welfare Bill, which continues to cost hardworking taxpayers.
“But there will be many who look at these proposals as another example of when Labour promise one thing to a group of voters, to then turn their back on them. It started with scrapping the Winter Fuel Payments, u-turning on supporting WASPI women, and hiking our taxes up on businesses.
“Every Labour government leaves office with unemployment up on when they arrived. This Labour governments budget is killing many local businesses and many local jobs meaning more people will become reliant on the welfare system.”
Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North, said that the Government is committed to protecting the “most vulnerable” and plans to rebuild previously eroded trust, adding: “Many people want to work and can work, and this government will actively support them with personalised help and opportunities to try work without losing benefits. We strongly believe in the value of good work – it provides dignity, purpose, and security.
“The areas with the highest unemployment are often those hit hardest by past deindustrialisation. This government’s mission to create good, industrial jobs in places like Teesside, alongside improving wages and conditions across various sectors and increasing the living wage, tips the balance in favour of work, offering genuine support to people and communities.” He added that he would be “closely monitoring” the reforms.
Writing on Facebook, Redcar MP Anna Turley said the Government was taking the first steps in “fixing a broken system”. She said: “Our reforms will give people the support they need – whether it is preventing people falling ill in and out of work in the first place, changing how we assess benefit eligibility and engage with people, or making sure disabled people and people with health conditions get proper employment support and the same chances and choices as everyone else.
“Labour will build a system that is fairer and provides vital support for those who need it most, ensuring they are supported to live with dignity and independence, while making sure that everyone who can realise the benefits of work is expected and supported to do so.” Ms Turley claimed there had been “misinformation” in the media about the planned benefit changes which had created a “lot of fear”. The MP added: “I will continue working to ensure these changes support people who can’t and won’t ever be able to work to live with dignity, whilst helping young people fulfil their potential and ensuring the welfare system supports and lifts people up rather than crushes them down.”
Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland called out what he saw as the “fear-mongering” in the press about the welfare changes prior to the announcement on Tuesday, 18 March. Following confirmation of the changes, Mr Myer sets out his view that they are “common-sense reforms, necessary to help those in need.”
He said: “For too long, Teesside has felt the impact of a welfare system that fails both those who need support and those who want the opportunity to work,” adding that the Government would introduce a ‘Right-to-Try’ work scheme, “so those with long-term sickness or disabilities can explore employment without risking their benefits”. He clarified that no one will be forced into work if they are too unwell, and said that Work Capability Assessments will be scrapped by 2028 and “those with lifelong disabilities or conditions will never be reassessed”.
