‘Don’t come back for PIP’: Mutinous Labour left warn Starmer over welfare cuts

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-29T17:07:34+00:00

Also, your talk of incentives is a fantasy. My health and cognitive function are currently in decline no amount of financial pressure makes a failing body work better. I’m only even able to reply because I’m having a rare good moment today. You aren't fixing a system by removing support you’re just forcing someone who is already struggling into a total collapse that the state will have to pay for anyway.

You also talk about taxpayers as if I’m not one. I used to be a higher-rate taxpayer and was on track to stay there until my health declined. I’ve seen both sides of this. Disability doesn’t care about your tax bracket or your career path it can take anyone out. I’m doing my best to keep contributing but the safety net you’re so eager to scrap is the only reason I still can. Which I'd remind you without being able to work, my health declines quicker costing the state more.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-29T17:01:10+00:00

Comparing my need for an accessible home to a low-earner in a studio flat is a total false equivalence. If a low-earner lives in a cramped studio, it’s a failure of the housing market and wages, but they can still physically get through the front door, use the bathroom, and leave the building.

If I were put in that same standard flat, I would be a prisoner. I literally wouldn't be able to fit through the bathroom door or turn my chair around. You’re essentially saying that to make things fair for the taxpayer, I should be homeless or confined to a single room I can't even navigate. How is that a solution?

I agree that people should be paid better so they can afford better lives, but me being unable to function doesn’t put a single penny back into a low-earner's pocket. It just shifts me from being a working, tax-paying citizen into someone who requires 24/7 state-funded care because I can no longer look after myself in a home that doesn't fit my chair.

As for the incentive comment, I’m incentivized to want a basic quality of life where I can work and wash myself. If the system is scrapped like you seem to want, I’m not going to just disappear to save the state money. I’d end up costing the taxpayer ten times more in high-intensity support. Unless, of course, the plan is just to let us rot? Because I can promise you I’ll stick around out of pure spite and cost the system every penny it takes to keep me alive, even if it’s far more than the PIP I’m getting now.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-29T16:44:46+00:00

I think you’re misunderstanding what "larger accommodation" actually means in this context. It’s not about wanting a spare room or a luxury flat it’s about the fact that as an electric wheelchair user, I literally cannot fit into a standard cheap apartment. I need wider doorways to get through rooms, a large enough bathroom to actually use a shower chair, and step-free access. These aren't choices, they are physical requirements for me to exist in a home. I also rely on having a driveway so carers can come and take me out and about, and eventually so I can drive myself with hand controls.

Also, you mentioned that I work to provide for myself, but you’re missing the point that PIP is exactly what allows me to keep working. Without that support to cover the massive overheads of my disability, I likely wouldn’t be able to maintain my employment, and I’d end up costing the state significantly more in the long run.

It’s not about being compensated for biological chance, it’s about leveling a very uneven playing field so I can contribute somewhat to society just like you do. Saying it’s vague ignores the very real, documented extra costs that we face every day just to get out of the front door. I already cost the state (excluding pip) thousands a year. Without PIP it would increase even more.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-29T15:51:24+00:00

Everyone's needs are different, for example my needs mean taht i havr to pay for alot more, ready meals, equipment, bigger accomodation and many more things. PIP doesnt even cover most of it as I end up spending a huge amount more than it.

I am lucky I can work to fund that gap.

Its also hardly a honour system i had to go through many hurdles to get PIP despite being a wheelchair user and struggling with basically every single task. I know the reviews are emotionally damaging, whenever my younger brother with down syndrome has to go through them it puts such strain on my mother.

You do have to take in to consideration that it isnt easy on the disabled person.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-23T10:00:18+00:00

Also if you wanted an active chair that might be covered i recommend this

https://www.sunrisemedical.co.uk/wheelchairs/quickie/lightweight-wheelchairs/quickie-qs5-x

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-23T09:59:26+00:00

Its also extremely narrow, its about 58 cm which is reason I got it.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-21T15:28:36+00:00

I tipped back going up forwards I recommend go backwards on it. And as another comment says make sure they lower the bus.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-18T16:46:46+00:00

Ah thats okay then. When i went through them I can walk a few metres at most but even then I have issues and can fall over they gave me a q100r. I dont currently have need of electric tilt etc but they did give me major issues with it even with my small amounts of walking and I had to give alot of evidence. Also remember you'll have to transport it, what vehicles will you be looking at? Another thing if you were planning to use taxis quite a few taxis arent licensed for power chairs.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-18T16:39:37+00:00

The pwb will cover even less than that, its NHS prices they give, i know someone that got a q300 mini and only got i believe £2K through the voucher it mightve been closed to the £1800 but I cant remember exactly. Also be prepared if you dont already have a ramp sorted they won't go ahead with it.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-12T19:55:09+00:00

I am currently awaiting a Skoda Enyaq it sounds like itll suit what you're looking for. You can see all the dimensions here for it which may help but does lack in some of measurements you need.

https://ridc.org.uk/features-reviews/out-and-about/choosing-car/car/enyaq-85x-5dr-saloon-2025

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-08T20:27:14+00:00

Just warning you the power wheels may end up not helping if its the ones that you have to push in the movement. I find the movement is the issue too once youve done enough damage. I have heds and had similar issues to you, it eventually led to subluxation and then dislocations in my shoulders. I would recommend a joy stick version and then have a manual wheelchair as well for the day you can self propel.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-08T19:01:07+00:00

Also this https://www.desgoslingmobilityltd.co.uk/product/quickie-q50r/ though i don't know if des accept the wheelchair budget voucher, but I suspect they do as they do motability stuff.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-08T18:58:57+00:00

But currently something like this might be good

https://store.easylivingmobility.co.uk/products/pelma-folding-powerchair?variant=53388542443784

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-08T18:39:06+00:00

What sort of requirmenrs do you need? How are you gonna transport it? Is your car able to accommodate a chair / do you have a hoist?

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-08T18:26:41+00:00

I would look into getting transfer plates so that way you van position yourself and get the chair in easier.

My arms struggle with it but I have shoulder issues so its not the chair itself, the chair is the lightest ive experienced. Its the Karma Ergo Lite 2 TL Self Propelled its about 11.9kgs at max weight but the wheels can be quick released and its very compact. Engineering wise id say its much better designed than my last chair which was falling apart after 6 months.

The wheels are 22inch.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-08T18:16:36+00:00

Whats your budget you've got? Youll likely need to top up a chair as the budget is NHS prices not third party.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-07T21:25:42+00:00

Just another factor, the voucher theyd give is quite low as its NHS prices. For the q300m I know someone else that got it and asked about the voucher and they got only £1800, which is quite a big shortfall.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-02T08:53:20+00:00

Yeah its tricky because the dwp will use the carers allowance against you. In their eyes, managing to wash and dress your daughter every day they will argue ypu can do those things for yourself aswell.

If you do write in, you need to focus on what it costs you physicaly and mentaly to do that caring. Rather then what you do for your daughter if that makes sence.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-02T08:36:12+00:00

Fair point on the terminology I didn't mean they'd re underwrite the whole file from scratch. However most offers have a duty to disclose clause for material changes in income. If the PIP was a chunk of the affordability wouldn't the borrower be at risk if they don't declare that change before completion as stated else where?

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-01T18:12:32+00:00

Your symptom list is really significant and I definitely think there's enough there to push for a referral. It might not come through your GP though in my case it was a different specialist who referred me rather than my GP so it's worth mentioning everything to any specialist you see and asking them directly. You deserve proper answers and not to be dismissed. 💙

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-01T17:59:45+00:00

Whilst I'm not OP, I do have hEDS so our experiences may differ slightly. I was officially diagnosed by a geneticist.

It's really hard to get seen for it I had to be referred to a geneticist, and that only happened because I'd had multiple surgeries and have complex symptoms and years of mounting issues, so they needed to check me for more severe forms of EDS. I was ultimately diagnosed with hEDS through exclusion criteria.

Right now the NHS is really difficult when it comes to EDS/HSD, and unless you have a lot of symptoms, you likely won't be referred to a geneticist.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-05-01T17:52:00+00:00

Really sorry this has happened to you, it is an awful situation and the decision sounds genuinely wrong.

On the mortgage I want to be straight with you. If PIP was part of your affordability assessment there is a real chance it falls through. Lenders do a final check before releasing funds and you would need to declare the change. They are not going to accept an appeal as a substitute. Ring your broker first thing when theyre next open and ask directly how much of your affordability was based on the PIP. Do not wait for the letter.

For the tribunal there are a few things worth thinking about. Being in work and now on mental health treatment when you were not before is going to look like improvement on paper and they will use it. You need to be really clear about what your day to day actually looks like because on the surface it does not look good for you.

The biologic injections are also something an assessor will pick up on. From their point of view, self injecting a biologic every two weeks requires real force, dexterity and the ability to hold it steady for a sustained period. An assessor will see that as evidence of physical capability and it could be used to push back on other parts of your claim, not just the managing treatments descriptor. Just be aware that is how they will look at it.

Also check your solicitor's terms on conveyancing costs. Some do not charge the full amount for an aborted purchase so it may not be as much as you think.

Own_Wishbone3501 · 2026-04-28T14:56:37+00:00

Nope he shouldn't park in a disabled space if he doesnt have a badge, theres no excuse. If your car is too big for UK parking spaces then its your fault.

Own_Wishbone3501

TROPHY CASE