Labour's disability minister, Sir Stephen Timms, has drawn criticism for stating that the current level of welfare spending is "not a great concern," despite a significant increase in Britain's disability benefits bill.
The disability benefits bill has nearly doubled since 2019, rising from £15 billion to £26 billion, with forecasts projecting it to exceed £41 billion by 2030. The number of individuals claiming personal independence payments (PIP) has also surpassed four million for the first time.
In an interview with the BBC, Sir Stephen, who is currently reviewing the disability benefits system, said, "My view is the current level of spending is not a great concern. What would be a concern would be if it carried on going up forever more, and that we have to address, and we will be doing so." He declined to commit to reducing the number of PIP claimants, stating that recommendations are pending.
This statement comes as the initial findings of the Timms review were published, which did not detail cost-saving measures. Sir Stephen later acknowledged in Parliament that rising PIP costs were "a concern," emphasizing the review's aim to make the system fair for both disabled individuals and taxpayers.
Critics have voiced strong disagreement with the minister's remarks. Lee Anderson, chairman of Reform UK, called the minister "completely deluded," arguing that the spiraling welfare bill is a major government concern. Helen Whately, shadow work and pensions secretary, stated that the minister's comments demonstrate Labour's "denial" and noted that the review "never set out to make any savings."
Shimeon Lee of the TaxPayers' Alliance expressed concern that the review might be "another whitewash" that burdens the welfare system, which he described as "broken and unaffordable." He pointed out that rising working-age claims and a low rate of claimants returning to work suggest the system is increasingly substituting for employment.
A Labour source countered by attributing the rise in welfare spending to the previous Conservative government, citing "the biggest ever increase in the welfare bill" and a failure to reform the system, which the current government is now attempting to address.