DWP chief paves the way for more benefit cuts as Starmer warned over spending

"From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground."

"Labour has appeared to pave the way for more cuts to disability benefits this parliament as a top minister refuses to rule out revisiting controversial plans that were rowed back on earlier in the year. Speaking to a cross-party committee, work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden told MPs that he was not ruling out anything when asked if he was looking at future cuts."

"Earlier this year, Labour's proposals to tweak the assessment criteria for the personal independence payment (PIP) to effectively make it harder to claim were met with fierce opposition from campaign groups and politicians. Currently claimed by 3.8 million people, the benefit is designed to help with extra costs incurred by living with an illness or disability. Ministers backed down on the plans in late June after over 100 Labour MPs threatened to vote against the government on the measures."

The Independent solicits donations to fund reporters covering issues from reproductive rights to climate change and Big Tech, and maintains free access to its reporting without paywalls. The outlet emphasizes sending journalists to report from the ground and asks supporters to fund journalism paid by those who can afford it. Labour appears to be considering revisiting cuts to disability benefits after earlier plans were rowed back. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told MPs he was not ruling anything out on future cuts. Earlier proposals to tighten personal independence payment (PIP) assessments faced fierce opposition and were withdrawn after an internal rebellion threat.

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