A new Labour review has called for sickness benefits to be made as “easy as possible” to claim.
Welfare and disability minister Sir Stephen Timms is set to publish a review into the welfare system, having been set up after Labour MPs forced the government to drop plans to cut £5billion from the welfare budget last year.
The much-anticipated review has found the current system for claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is too “stressful” for claimants and called for a shake-up.
Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East Joe Robertson, who sits on the Commons health committee, said the review was “woeful”.
Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick accused Labour of abandoning “any attempts to tackle the ballooning benefits bill”.
The Newark MP said: “They do nothing to stop migrants claiming benefits and many of them will actually make it easier for those who don’t need it to claim PIP.
“Reform is clearly the only party with a detailed plan to restore fairness to the system so we can raise the tax-free personal allowance to £15,000.”
A DWP spokesman told GB News: “These are not the final recommendations. The Review, which will report to the Secretary of State this autumn, and he will carefully consider the final proposals within it.
“The Timms Review interim report, co-produced with disabled people, made clear that PIP is no longer fit for purpose.
“Our goal is to deliver a system that supports disabled people and those with long-term conditions to live independent lives, while remaining fair, sustainable, and fit for the future.”
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Shabana Mahmood orders police to ban masks and ramp up surveillance to target anti-migration protesters
Shabana Mahmood has ordered police chiefs to make greater use of mask bans and surveillance technology as forces prepare to clamp down on anti-migration protests this weekend.
The Home Secretary demanded tougher action ahead of further demonstrations expected this weekend following major disruption in Dover and Portsmouth.
Police forces have been told to make “full use” of new powers allowing officers to ban face coverings at protests for up to 24 hours.
Ms Mahmood also urged forces to step up the use of facial recognition, CCTV, automatic number plate recognition and body-worn cameras to gather evidence.
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UK economy beats expectations with surprise 0.4% growth
The UK economy returned to growth in July, providing a boost after a challenging period for businesses and households.
GDP rose by 0.4 per cent during the month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Economists had expected the economy to flatline in July, making the latest growth figures a stronger-than-expected boost.
However, the improvement comes as conflict in the Middle East continues to put pressure on the global economy, with UK Government borrowing costs climbing to their highest level in almost two decades.
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