UK Regions Most Impacted by DWP PIP Cuts – 800,000 People Affected

A significant number of disabled individuals across England and Wales may be stripped of their benefits due to impending Government welfare reforms

Thousands of disabled people in England and Wales could see their benefits reduced or removed entirely as the Government considers changes to welfare policy. Proposed reforms to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system may particularly affect individuals who rely on this benefit to help manage daily living tasks.

Key Findings From the Report

An investigation by The Big Issue, using figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), revealed that over half of the people currently receiving PIP daily living support in ten UK constituencies are at risk of losing their payments. These changes, if approved, could take effect within the next month.

Most Affected Constituencies by Projected PIP Losses

Here are the ten parliamentary constituencies where claimants are most vulnerable to losing their PIP support:

Constituency	% At Risk
Boston and Skegness	52%
Tipton and Wednesbury	52%
Torfaen	51%
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney	51%
Smethwick	51%
Cannock Chase	51%
Wolverhampton South East	51%
Bolsover	51%
South Holland and The Deepings	50%
Rhondda and Ogmore	50%

These numbers reflect the share of PIP claimants who scored under four points on all daily living categories—placing them at high risk under the proposed evaluation changes.

Key Regions Under Threat

Constituencies like Tipton and Wednesbury, along with Wolverhampton South East—represented by Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden—are likely to be among the worst impacted. Even areas with fewer affected individuals, such as Guildford in Surrey, still show that over 33% of claimants may lose their PIP daily living payments.

In Boston and Skegness, where Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice serves as MP, 52% of claimants could be affected—matching the highest levels of risk observed in the country.

Projected Financial Losses from Eligibility Cuts

Changes to the criteria for PIP eligibility could lead to substantial financial hardship for some individuals. Recent estimates suggest that certain people might lose up to £12,000 per year if their support is withdrawn.

This financial blow could be even more severe for households that also rely on Carer’s Allowance, compounding the total loss.

Combined Annual Benefit Values

Benefit Type	Annual Value
PIP (Higher Rate)	£5,740.80
Carer’s Allowance	£4,331.60
Total Loss	£10,072.40

For households receiving both types of support, a complete withdrawal would mean losing more than £10,000 annually. In some cases, the financial loss could approach £12,000 depending on individual needs and circumstances.

MPs and Public Reactions

Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling, who raised questions that led to the findings, warned that the proposed reforms could have devastating consequences. He stated that losing both PIP and Carer’s Allowance could push many families into financial hardship.

DWP’s Official Response

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson stated that most people currently receiving PIP will continue to get support under the new system. The statement included:

“We remain dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable. Our reformed welfare system is designed to assist those who are permanently unable to work. We are also working with disabled people and advocacy organisations to review how PIP assessments are conducted, ensuring a fairer and more efficient process.”

Despite this assurance, the changes could lead to major disruptions for many who depend on these payments for everyday living.

FAQs