Concerns remain despite Government U-turn on benefits reform

The government’s announcement to safeguard existing claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit, following major pressure from campaigners and backbench MPs, will be a huge relief to brain injury survivors and carers.

However, we remain deeply concerned about the impact of the proposed reforms on future claimants through the introduction of a two-tier system where many brain injury survivors will be at risk of receiving less support than those who already receive PIP.

The reversal for existing claimants comes after widespread opposition to the original plans to change eligibility criteria for disability and sickness benefits. While the government now confirms that current recipients will retain their support, future applicants will still face stricter thresholds.

“This concession will provide a sense of relief to many brain injury survivors who were living in fear of losing vital financial support,” said Luke Griggs, Headway’s Chief Executive. “It is a direct result of sustained pressure from campaigners, charities and concerned parliamentarians.

“We are deeply concerned about new claimants who are living with the debilitating effects of brain injury having access to the benefits they will undoubtedly need.

“Cognitive fatigue, problems with memory or information processing, are just some of the invisible effects of brain injury that can severely limit a person’s independence.

“The assessment process for people with hidden, fluctuating and complex conditions such as brain injury remains fundamentally flawed and no concrete plans have been presented that provide us with any assurance that things will get better.

“Similarly, details on the government’s plans to improve the help available to people with disabilities to get back into work and education are critical to these changes – and yet promises of investment in vocational rehabilitation programmes for brain injury are nowhere to be seen.

“The government’s decision is at best a partial victory for brain injury survivors, but much more needs to be done.”

In our response to the government consultation, we made it clear that brain injury survivors have a fundamental right to receive the help, support, and understanding they need to live fulfilling and independent lives. This announcement represents a partial victory – one that acknowledges the real risks of destabilising lives already affected by complex, often hidden disabilities.

However, serious concerns remain. Proposed reforms suggest narrowing the criteria for PIP eligibility with claimants needing to prove they need a higher degree of assistance with tasks such as preparing and eating food, communicating, washing and getting dressed.

At the same time, there is a worrying lack of clarity on how the government plans to support more people with disabilities back into work. There has been little detail on the practical vocational support that will be available – particularly for those with cognitive and emotional impairments caused by brain injury. Helping people work towards employment must go hand-in-hand with meaningful, personalised support, not punitive measures or reduced eligibility.

MPs will be voting on the proposals on Tuesday 1 July. While some Labour MPs are still expected to vote against the bill, these policy amends mean that the welfare reforms are expected to be passed. Though changes will not affect new claimants until November 2026.