REACH Community Projects in Haverhill slams proposed benefit cuts for causing ‘fear and distress’

A charity says government proposals to tighten up benefit payments has led to widespread ‘fear and distress’.

The government recently announced plans for stricter eligibility tests for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), in addition to cuts to other health-related benefits, reducing payments from £97 per week to £50, with no planned rise in line with inflation until at least 2030.

These will be frozen for people already receiving them and halved for everyone who applies for them from April 2026.

REACH Community Projects, in Haverhill, says its income maximisation (IM) team is already inundated with PIP applications and the charity is also supporting huge numbers of mandatory reconsiderations and appeals, to ensure clients receive the right support.

Ann Allen, IM adviser, explained: “Amongst clients there is a sense of fear and distress of what these cuts may mean, with many feeling unfairly targeted.

“PIP was created to give people who are experiencing a health condition or disability a chance to live independently.”

REACH notes that on average, it costs £1,000 more to live with a disability or health condition, therefore this additional income is an essential lifeline for many.

It can be put towards a cost of transport to important health and hospital appointments or to help cover additional costs of heating or electricity needed to help people manage their condition.

This support provides more than the practical help, it ensure people can engage in society, therefore minimises the risk of social isolation and guarantees confidence to properly manage their condition without the fear of falling into debt or financial hardship as a result of additional costs.

If the changes to PIP are agreed, people under 22 will not be able to get payments at all.

According to the Government’s own impact assessment, an estimated 250,000 people will be pushed into poverty as a result of these cuts.

REACH said it recently supported a client who was in the process of migrating from Employment Support Allowance to Universal Credit, who struggled with online forms and was initially visited by DWP who helped open a claim.

Subsequent delays caused significant distress to client and exacerbated their poor mental health. Their housing benefit was due to be stopped and could have caused debt and pushed the client into financial hardship.

Henry Wilson CEO said: “While we undoubtedly agree significant reforms are needed to improve Universal Credit and social security payments, so that people can receive support who undeniably need it efficiently, the Government must do this by listening to real life experiences.

“They really must recognise current challenges and downfalls, and seek to build an effective system that always ensures people can afford the essentials and are protected from financial hardship.”

REACH has also recently launched their Spring Appeal, ‘Joining together for Justice’ which focuses on client Andrew. For more information see here:

The charity has been campaigning alongside national charity Trussell and have recently contributed evidence to the Work and Pensions Government Committee.