Chancellor Reeves Defends Welfare Cuts Amid Criticism of Impact on Poverty and Disabled Families

March 27, 2025
Chancellor Reeves Defends Welfare Cuts Amid Criticism of Impact on Poverty and Disabled Families
  • Chancellor Rachel Reeves faced intense scrutiny over the Spring Statement's impact on poverty during multiple TV interviews.

  • In a notable exchange with Sky News presenter Wilfred Frost, Reeves was questioned about her recent welfare cuts that could affect thousands of children.

  • The government's own assessment indicates that these welfare cuts could push 250,000 individuals, including approximately 50,000 children, into relative poverty.

  • Reeves denied claims that 3.2 million people would be negatively impacted by the welfare changes, which include modifications to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Work Capability Assessments (WCA).

  • Over three million families will be impacted by the changes, and 370,000 people are set to lose Personal Independence Payments.

  • In response to the criticism, Reeves argued that the changes are designed to provide tailored support, helping individuals lead 'more fulfilling lives' and find better employment opportunities.

  • Frost emphasized the immediate consequences for affected individuals, noting that while some might eventually benefit, the short-term effects could be severe for many families.

  • A think-tank has warned that lower-income households are expected to lose £500 annually over the next five years due to these reforms.

  • The Spring Statement included a £4.8 billion reduction in sickness and disability benefits, which will severely impact disabled individuals and their families.

  • Additionally, carers will face a £500 million cut to benefits by 2029/30, resulting in around 150,000 losing carer’s allowance or Universal Credit support.

  • Concerns were raised during a BBC Breakfast segment about why the government is targeting the poor instead of increasing wealth taxes.

  • TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak criticized Reeves for prioritizing cuts to disability benefits over taxing the wealthy.

Summary based on 2 sources


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