Cymraeg

Ahead of the latest proposals to introduce new eligibility criteria for PIP and cut the UC health element, Citizens Advice Cymru has prepared data on the people who come to us for advice who have a long-term health condition or disability. 

Over the last year, Citizens Advice services in Wales helped over 63,000 people who have a long-term health condition or disability. Almost half of these people (30,500) needed advice on a disability benefit, predominantly Personal Independence Payment and limited capability for work (health) elements of Universal Credit. On top of this, 46% of our debt clients who have a disability are living in a negative budget where their income isn’t enough to cover essential outgoings. 

Click here to find out more about this data.

DWP has confirmed that in Conwy there are currently 7,000 people claiming PIP daily living component, 3,000 of whom do not meet the new 4 point threshold and are at risk of losing their PIP for daily living. In Gwynedd there are 6,000 people claiming PIP daily living component, 3,000 of whom do not meet the new 4 point threshold and are at risk of losing their PIP daily living, With an average loss of £375 a month for those affected by the cuts, this is more than our average disabled debt client spends on their energy, utilities, and council tax bills.

We have written to our Members of Parliament urging them to vote against the Bill next week. We have also sent them this national briefing document.