Momentum has circulated a template motion on cuts. You may wish to use text from it (below). Our own text is shorter and simpler, demanding the government tax the rich and make no cuts.

CLP Motion – No Cuts to Disability Benefits

In recent days, it has been widely reported in the media, and referenced in the Prime Minister’s address to the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) meeting on Monday 10th March, that the Labour government is preparing to announce cuts of more than £6bn to welfare spending within the next fortnight. ITV News reported on Saturday 8th March that this is set to include:

• £5bn in savings by making it harder to qualify for Personal Independence Payments – a benefit not linked to work that is meant to help people with the additional costs of their disability
• Further savings by freezing PIP payments next year, so they do not rise with inflation
• Raising the basic rate for Universal Credit paid to those searching for work, or in work, while cutting the rate for those who are judged as unfit for work.
• A billion pounds of savings ploughed into a major investment for employment support for those who are looking for a job

This CLP notes:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the primary disability benefit in the UK, covering the additional costs faced by Disabled people. The maximum amount you can currently receive is £184.30 per week, if you qualify for the enhanced daily living and mobility rate – and this is only awarded for 37% of successful claims. On average, the application process can take six months if you get approved the first time round. This rises to eight months if you go to mandatory reconsideration and ten months if you need to go to tribunal.
• Scope’s analysis of government figures shows that without PIP, a further 700,000 more disabled households could be pushed into poverty.
• After housing costs, the proportion of working age Disabled people living in poverty is 27%.
• Anyone can become Disabled.

This CLP believes:

• Disabled people are not responsible for the state of the national finances, and should not be made to pay the price for Tory economic mismanagement.
• It should not be made harder to qualify for PIP – it is difficult enough as it is.
• The rate of Universal Credit for those considered to have limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) should not be cut.
• It is right and just for PIP payments to rise in line with inflation, to avoid plunging Disabled people into poverty.
• Benefits claimants should not be pitted against each other – eg. increasing rates of Universal Credit for jobseekers while reducing them for claimants unable to work due to sickness or disability.
• The Labour Government must work with Disabled people’s user-led organisations, trade unions and civil society to co-produce any reforms to social security.

This CLP resolves:

• To write to the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, Liz Kendall, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, to articulate our opposition to proposed cuts to disability benefits – whether by reducing rates, implementing higher thresholds, or increased conditionality – as soon as possible.
• To continue to support local organisations that provide services for residents in financial hardship.
• To promote opportunities for members to volunteer with local charities which support those in hardship or poverty.