"20,630 at risk of losing vital PIP support across Liverpool" warn Liberal Democrats

LIVERPOOL Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to backdate the Winter Fuel Payment for local pensioners who lost out last winter.

More than 20,630 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants across could lose their essential support, according to figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats through a Parliamentary Question.

From November 2026, changes introduced by the Labour Government will mean claimants must score at least four points in one daily living activity to qualify for support, activities that include basic daily needs like washing, dressing, and preparing food. Those who don't meet this new threshold risk losing the:- "daily living" component entirely, and in some cases, their PIP payments altogether.

Across the country, the move could hit up to 1.3 million people currently receiving standard or enhanced-rate support for daily living.

In response to a Parliamentary Question from the Liberal Democrats, the Government admitted that 87% of standard-rate and 13% of enhanced-rate claimants could lose support under the new rules.

Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to listen and change course on their proposed changes to PIP. The changes could also see tens of thousands of unpaid carers at risk of losing their Carers Allowance, making it even harder to balance their work and caring responsibilities.

Cllr Carl Cashman, Leader of the Liverpool Liberal Democrats, said:- "This is yet another betrayal by the Labour Government and will be devastating for many vulnerable people in Liverpool. Countless people rely on this support to stay in work and just go about their daily lives. To strip that away from them is senseless. Instead of standing up for people who need help just to get by, Labour are slashing vital support and pushing the most vulnerable to the brink. Cutting support for people with disabilities instead of asking the big banks and social media giants to pay their fair share of tax is a political choice, and both Labour and Reform are backing it. The Liberal Democrats will fight these callous plans every step of the way."

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