Reform benefits plans would push children into poverty
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The gist
Reform UK proposes £50bn welfare cuts, scrapping PIP and health element of universal credit. Campaigners warn the plans would push huge numbers of children into poverty.
Background
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has announced a benefits overhaul aiming to save £50bn from the UK welfare bill. The plan includes scrapping Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health element of universal credit for working-age adults, replacing them with a new 'health security allowance'. It also proposes barring foreign nationals from claiming most benefits, which would breach the Brexit withdrawal agreement. Campaigners and opposition parties have criticized the plans, warning of severe impacts on vulnerable groups, including children.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026Reform UK announces plans to scrap PIP and the health element of universal credit, replacing them with a new 'health security allowance'. The party estimates 2.89 million claimants would see their payments modified or withdrawn.
- Aug 16, 2026Reform also announces a plan to bar foreign nationals from claiming most benefits, which would save £21bn a year as part of the £50bn package. Nigel Farage is warned of potential EU retaliation.
- Aug 17, 2026Campaigners say the plans would cause 'horrific levels of destitution' and push huge numbers of children into poverty. PIP claimants hit back, saying 'We're not scroungers – we need it'.
Who’s saying what
- Reform UK
- The party argues the current system amounts to 'suicidal empathy' and that 'dumping our young people onto welfare isn't compassion; it's neglect'.
- Campaigners
- Charities warn the proposals would cause 'horrific levels of destitution' and push huge numbers of children into poverty.
- Labour
- A Labour spokesman said the plans would 'rip up the UK's withdrawal agreement with the EU, plunging the UK back into years of Brexit renegotiations'.
- PIP claimants
- Claimants hit back, saying 'We're not scroungers – we need it', expressing fury at the plan to axe benefits.