OPINION

       Liz Kendall was right to reduce the benefits bill (Image: Getty Images)

       This Labour government appears to be stuffed full of MPs who lack a basic grasp of numbers. Maybe they failed their Maths GCSE or simply do not understand the simple concept that if you continually spend more than you have, then you create a financial crisis. And as usual, it would be the already stretched taxpayer who would pay the price due to a catastrophic mismanagement of the country’s finances.

       Last week’s rebellion by Labour MPs against their own government over welfare reforms revealed that some really do believe there is a magic money tree that can be shaken on demand whenever cash is needed. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall was right to try and reduce the benefits bill even if it meant taking her Chancellor colleague to the brink.

       Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

       Forgetfulness Over 50? Do This 7-Second Elephant Trick To Sharp Recall!Memory Health Today | Sponsored Sponsored

       Undo

       DON'T MISS

       Powered by

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       BBC viewers left speechless over Labour ministers' Commons ‘breakdown' live on air

       10 Comments

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       481 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       86 Comments

       Currys boss' chilling warning to Reeves: 'think very carefully' before you make it 'worse'

       43 Comments

       Rachel Reeves may target millions with punishing income tax hikes to plug ￡40bn hole

       103 Comments

       Fury erupts at Keir Starmer over 'insulting' stealth tax against pensioners

       733 Comments

       Rachel Reeves nightmare as she could be forced to make 'six' massive tax rises

       9 Comments

       Neil Kinnock demands new 2% wealth tax to fund Keir Starmer's ￡5bn U-turn

       307 Comments

       Rachel Reeves ‘could be forced into ￡40bn extra tax hikes' after benefits disaster

       63 Comments

       Starmer branded 'puppet of the Left' over welfare U-turn after Rachel Reeves meltdown

       13 Comments

       Starmer sidekick torn to shreds in car crash interview after Labour climbdown

       6 Comments

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       11 Comments

       Keir Starmer signs UK up to new high-tax UN manifesto

       476 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Keir Starmer is forcing us to foot bill of cowardice dressed up as care

       22 Comments

       Conservatives demand ban on foreigners claiming disability benefits

       12 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Chancellor Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out tax rises to address financial black hole

       5 Comments

       Kemi Badenoch demands disability benefits ban for foreigners

       121 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       PIP and UC climbdown could force tax rises to make up the savings, experts alert

       1 Comments

       Kemi Badenoch blazes at 'immoral' cost of benefits bill as country braces for tax raids

       304 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       BBC viewers left speechless over Labour ministers' Commons ‘breakdown' live on air

       10 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       481 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       86 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Currys boss' chilling warning to Reeves: 'think very carefully' before you make it 'worse'

       43 Comments

       Rachel Reeves may target millions with punishing income tax hikes to plug ￡40bn hole

       103 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Fury erupts at Keir Starmer over 'insulting' stealth tax against pensioners

       733 Comments

       Rachel Reeves nightmare as she could be forced to make 'six' massive tax rises

       9 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Neil Kinnock demands new 2% wealth tax to fund Keir Starmer's ￡5bn U-turn

       307 Comments

       Rachel Reeves ‘could be forced into ￡40bn extra tax hikes' after benefits disaster

       63 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Starmer branded 'puppet of the Left' over welfare U-turn after Rachel Reeves meltdown

       13 Comments

       Starmer sidekick torn to shreds in car crash interview after Labour climbdown

       6 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       11 Comments

       Keir Starmer signs UK up to new high-tax UN manifesto

       476 Comments

       Keir Starmer is forcing us to foot bill of cowardice dressed up as care

       22 Comments

       Conservatives demand ban on foreigners claiming disability benefits

       12 Comments

       Chancellor Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out tax rises to address financial black hole

       5 Comments

       Kemi Badenoch demands disability benefits ban for foreigners

       121 Comments

       PIP and UC climbdown could force tax rises to make up the savings, experts alert

       1 Comments

       Kemi Badenoch blazes at 'immoral' cost of benefits bill as country braces for tax raids

       304 Comments

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       BBC viewers left speechless over Labour ministers' Commons ‘breakdown' live on air

       10 Comments

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       481 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       86 Comments

       Currys boss' chilling warning to Reeves: 'think very carefully' before you make it 'worse'

       43 Comments

       Rachel Reeves may target millions with punishing income tax hikes to plug ￡40bn hole

       103 Comments

       Fury erupts at Keir Starmer over 'insulting' stealth tax against pensioners

       733 Comments

       Don't miss...

       'Keir Starmer is forcing us to foot bill of cowardice dressed up as care' [LATEST]

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides in PMQs after benefit u-turn [LATEST]

       The reforms aimed to save ￡5billion overall – a mere drop in the ocean in the great scheme of things because the figures involved are truly eye-watering. As a nation, we currently spend ￡65billion a year on health and disability-related benefits. The Office for Budget Responsibility says this will rise to just over ￡100billion a year by 2029/2030.

       This is unsustainable and risks bankrupting the nation.

       Powered By

       10 Sec

       615.4K

       53

       Texas floods: At least 69 people confirmed dead

       Next

       Stay

       Initially, around 120 Labour MPs were due to rebel against the Government’s welfare reforms, but this was reduced to 49 after a screeching U-turn that saw many of the proposals scrapped or diluted. Rebels managed to force Starmer and co to amend the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Bill which was designed to limit eligibility for these benefits and therefore save cash.

       Sponsored

       High-Speed Wi-Fi Internet Deal | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       High Speed WiFi Internet for Seniors at low rates

       Undo

       The Bill went to the vote with the entire section on PIP removed and planned cuts halted until a review is published in autumn 2026. This is not just kicking the can down the road but belting it beyond the boundary.

       And whilst Keir Starmer licks his wounds following the biggest rebellion in only his first year in Downing Streety despite a whopping parliamentary majority, the welfare costs continue to rocket.

       It is no wonder that certain Labour MPs were against the reforms: the number of people in their constituencies on some form of health or disability benefit eclipses the majority they won the vote by in their patch. These MPs would have been petrified about losing their job at the next general election should these cuts have been voted through.

       Trending

       Regardless, we cannot continue at the rate we are when it comes to the growing number of people receiving health and disability-related benefits. If that sounds harsh, then look at the recently launched ‘benefits dashboard’ by the TaxPayers’ Alliance campaigning group. This excellent tool, highlighted by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch during the parliamentary debate on the welfare bill, reveals how many people are claiming per local area and for what.

       The website can be found at benefitsdata.uk but, warning: you might want to pour yourself a stiff drink before looking. The findings reveal that adults in England are receiving the enhanced mobility section of PIP for conditions such as food intolerance, acne, writer’s cramp, alcohol and drug use.

       A total of 1.75 million people in England received enhanced PIP in April 2025 – an increase of just over 734,000 people from January 2019. The biggest increases were for autism, anxiety and depression.

       Those who get this part of PIP can use their benefits to receive a free car through the Motability Scheme. The idea that someone with acne or writer's cramp can get a taxpayer-funded car is ludicrous.

       It is only right that as a country we look after the most needy and vulnerable in society, but the current benefits system seems to go way beyond this. We cannot afford it anymore.

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

       The options for the Chancellor are limited. She has already said she will not increase taxes though I think her Budget in November will see another U-turn on this.

       If we continue to borrow more money to fund our spending on health and disability benefits, plus other areas, our debt to GDP ratio could exceed 100%. This would damage our credit rating and make borrowing more expensive.

       DON'T MISS

       Powered by

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       BBC viewers left speechless over Labour ministers' Commons ‘breakdown' live on air

       10 Comments

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       481 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       86 Comments

       Currys boss' chilling warning to Reeves: 'think very carefully' before you make it 'worse'

       43 Comments

       Rachel Reeves may target millions with punishing income tax hikes to plug ￡40bn hole

       103 Comments

       Fury erupts at Keir Starmer over 'insulting' stealth tax against pensioners

       733 Comments

       Rachel Reeves nightmare as she could be forced to make 'six' massive tax rises

       9 Comments

       Neil Kinnock demands new 2% wealth tax to fund Keir Starmer's ￡5bn U-turn

       307 Comments

       Rachel Reeves ‘could be forced into ￡40bn extra tax hikes' after benefits disaster

       63 Comments

       Starmer branded 'puppet of the Left' over welfare U-turn after Rachel Reeves meltdown

       13 Comments

       Starmer sidekick torn to shreds in car crash interview after Labour climbdown

       6 Comments

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       11 Comments

       Keir Starmer signs UK up to new high-tax UN manifesto

       476 Comments

       MD: Building Muscle After 60 Comes Down To This 1 ThingApex Labs | Sponsored Sponsored

       Undo

       Keir Starmer is forcing us to foot bill of cowardice dressed up as care

       22 Comments

       Conservatives demand ban on foreigners claiming disability benefits

       12 Comments

       The Leakproof Rambler？ Travel BottleYETI | Sponsored Sponsored

       Shop Now

       Undo

       Chancellor Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out tax rises to address financial black hole

       5 Comments

       Kemi Badenoch demands disability benefits ban for foreigners

       121 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       PIP and UC climbdown could force tax rises to make up the savings, experts alert

       1 Comments

       Kemi Badenoch blazes at 'immoral' cost of benefits bill as country braces for tax raids

       304 Comments

       Medical Mystery Solved: Dementia and Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This...Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       BBC viewers left speechless over Labour ministers' Commons ‘breakdown' live on air

       10 Comments

       Forgetfulness Over 50? Try This 10-Seco nd Elephant Trick To Stay SharpMemory Health Today | Sponsored Sponsored

       Undo

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       481 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       86 Comments

       Run Your Business Like a Pro with AI-Po wered Accounting Software! Research ...2025's AI Accounting | Sponsored Sponsored

       Click Here

       Undo

       Currys boss' chilling warning to Reeves: 'think very carefully' before you make it 'worse'

       43 Comments

       Rachel Reeves may target millions with punishing income tax hikes to plug ￡40bn hole

       103 Comments

       Retired? Pay One Price for Internet and TVInternet & TV Bundles | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Fury erupts at Keir Starmer over 'insulting' stealth tax against pensioners

       733 Comments

       Rachel Reeves nightmare as she could be forced to make 'six' massive tax rises

       9 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Neil Kinnock demands new 2% wealth tax to fund Keir Starmer's ￡5bn U-turn

       307 Comments

       Rachel Reeves ‘could be forced into ￡40bn extra tax hikes' after benefits disaster

       63 Comments

       Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It?Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Starmer branded 'puppet of the Left' over welfare U-turn after Rachel Reeves meltdown

       13 Comments

       Starmer sidekick torn to shreds in car crash interview after Labour climbdown

       6 Comments

       Medical Mystery Solved: Dementia and Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This...Memory Health | Sponsored Sponsored

       Learn More

       Undo

       Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall hides during PMQs after benefit U-turn humiliation

       11 Comments

       Keir Starmer signs UK up to new high-tax UN manifesto

       476 Comments

       Keir Starmer is forcing us to foot bill of cowardice dressed up as care

       22 Comments

       Conservatives demand ban on foreigners claiming disability benefits

       12 Comments

       Chancellor Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out tax rises to address financial black hole

       5 Comments

       Kemi Badenoch demands disability benefits ban for foreigners

       121 Comments

       PIP and UC climbdown could force tax rises to make up the savings, experts alert

       1 Comments

       Kemi Badenoch blazes at 'immoral' cost of benefits bill as country braces for tax raids

       304 Comments

       Tory questions 'legality' of DWP PIP changes ahead of key decision

       33 Comments

       BBC viewers left speechless over Labour ministers' Commons ‘breakdown' live on air

       10 Comments

       Keir Starmer's welfare cuts narrowly pass as 49 furious MPs stage rebellion

       481 Comments

       The 1 shocking graph that proves benefits in UK are out of control

       86 Comments

       Currys boss' chilling warning to Reeves: 'think very carefully' before you make it 'worse'

       43 Comments

       Rachel Reeves may target millions with punishing income tax hikes to plug ￡40bn hole

       103 Comments

       Fury erupts at Keir Starmer over 'insulting' stealth tax against pensioners

       733 Comments

       Forgetfulness Over 50? Try This 10-Second...Memory Health Today

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Links Sponsored Links

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       Dexcom G7 is proven to lower A1C and increas...Dexcom

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Links Sponsored Links

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       Retired? Pay One Price for Internet and TVInternet & TV Bundles

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Links Sponsored Links

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       High Speed WiFi Internet for Seniors at low ratesHigh-Speed Wi-Fi Internet Deal

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Links Sponsored Links

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       The key lies in reforming the current system that awards health and disability-related benefits beyond tinkering around the edges. The Conservatives voted against the welfare bill on the basis that it was so watered down it would achieve nothing and rightly so.

       The Labour rebels who extracted their concessions from the original proposals are living in cloud cuckoo land. If they think we can continue at this rate, then they will be guilty of trashing this country’s finances.

       The ticking of the debt timebomb has just got louder.