It had been initially reported that the government would consider not increasing PIP payments in line with inflation for a year. But that idea could be withdrawn after many usually loyal Labour MPs voiced strong opposition. MPs were invited into Downing Street for briefings last week, so the government's thinking could be conveyed to backbenchers. After attending a private meeting of Labour MPs last week, one MP told the BBC that freezing PIP would be "unforgivable". But on Monday, Treasury Minister Emma Reynolds asked Labour MPs to wait for the official announcement, adding: "Some colleagues are jumping to conclusions about our plans before they've heard them.

Source: The Times March 17, 2025 21:58 UTC