Access All: Disability News and Mental Health - Controversial benefits change passes Commons

Download Controversial benefits change passes Commons

After weeks of debate and political rebellion, proposed changes to the health element of Universal Credit have cleared the House of Commons.

The government's bill sets out that new claimants from April 2026, who have limited capacity to work and have been approved to receive the health top-up of the benefit, will receive £50 a week, compared to £97 for current claimants who will continue to receive that amount.

The Universal Credit Bill is expected to be classed as a money bill, meaning it could become law after one month, with or without the approval of the House of Lords.

Emma Tracey gets reaction and analysis from Big Issue reporter, Isabella McRae, Conservative counsellor Lana Hempsall and Jeremy Bernhaut from Rethink Mental Illness.

Presented by Emma Tracey
Sound mixed by Dave O'Neill
Produced by Beth Rose and Adele Armstrong
Editor: Damon Rose

Published on Wednesday, 9th July 2025.

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