AQW 28460/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 09/06/2025
Answered On Date: 29/07/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail an assessment of the likely impact on demand for local welfare assistance, food banks and crisis services, given the projection by Trussell that 15,000 more people will face hunger and hardship by 2029/30 due to the UK Government’s disability benefit reforms.

Answer:

The UK Government has decided not to progress the proposed reform of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at this time. The revised Universal Credit Bill ensures protection for people already receiving the UC health element, and for new claimants who meet the severe conditions criteria or are terminally ill. The revised Bill also contains provision to increase the UC standard allowance above inflation from 2026/27 to 2029/30.

Analysis of the projected impacts of the proposed changes in the Bill is available at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/universal-credit-and-personal-independence-payment-bill-impact-analysis-tables-30-june-2025.