We made the UK government rethink benefit cuts

We made the UK government rethink benefit cuts
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Over the past few months, we’ve been campaigning tirelessly to prevent cuts to disability and sickness benefits, alongside disabled people, charities and MPs across the country. We called out the cuts on social media and in the news. We briefed and met with MPs. And over 2,300 Mind supporters emailed their MP.


Sadly, we weren’t able to stop all the proposed cuts. But we achieved a lot. Faced with massive pressure, the UK government was forced to make significant changes to its proposals to get the Bill through parliament. In this newsletter, we’re sharing what happened.

Explainer: cuts to Universal Credit for future claimants
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Last week, MPs voted through the Universal Credit Bill. From April 2026, people who newly receive the health-related element of Universal Credit (UC) and Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) will get around £200 less per month. This means that people who become too unwell to work in the future will receive significantly less financial support. This could push people into poverty, and make their mental health worse.


It’s reassuring that the Bill doesn't lead to cuts for people who currently receive benefits. But removing financial support from people who need it in the future is still a devastating decision. And it was made without meaningful consultation with disabled people and rushed through parliament without enough scrutiny. We’re speaking out strongly against this outcome.  


Our message is clear: we won’t simply stand by and watch as support for disabled people is cut. Even though the legislation passed this time, it was heartening to see that dozens of MPs still rebelled against it.

Read their Media Statement

The UK government had also been planning to make it harder to access Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This payment helps people cover the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. We know people with mental health problems need PIP just as much as people with physical health problems. Often, PIP allows people to pay for what they need to be able to stay in work.


Together with our incredible supporters, we convinced the government to drop planned changes to the PIP criteria that would have made it harder to receive this benefit. They have now agreed to hold off on any reforms until a full review of PIP – developed with disabled people – is complete. This is an important win for our community.




We’re here for you 💙
We know the announcements about benefits over the past few months have caused a lot of stress for many of you. We want to reassure you: we’ll keep pushing for a fairer social security system that supports us all when we need it most.


And we’re here for you. If you need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our helplines, or consult the information on our website about money and mental health. You can reach our welfare benefits line from 9am-5pm (Monday to Friday) on 0300 222 5782.
Read our tips on money and mental health



Influencing the Mental Health Bill

In April, the Mental Health Bill entered the House of Commons. The current Bill will lead to important improvements for the 54,000 people who are sectioned each year. But we know that it needs to go further to tackle racial inequality and make the law work for young people.


We briefed and met with MPs. We submitted official evidence to the Committee of MPs who scrutinised the Bill in detail. And we shared an open letter signed by over 1,200 supporters asking to amend the Bill to end racial inequality in the use of the Mental Health Act. But we can’t stop now.  


The next stage for the Bill will be the last opportunity for MPs to make the Mental Health Bill truly transformative. We’ll take action again ahead of the vote. Sign up as a campaigner to be the first to hear about ways to get involved!
Sign up as a campaigner


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Contact our Infoline for information and help or get help now.


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