Fury as Portsmouth MPs refuse to condemn disability benefit cuts despite 86% at risk of losing out in the city
Portsmouth’s health chief, Lib Dem councillor Matthew Winnington, has slammed Stephen Morgan and Amanda Martin for refusing to come out against the Government’s cuts to disability benefits as it is revealed that 86% of people claiming the standard rate of Personal Independence Payment for daily living activities in Portsmouth are at risk of losing at least some of the benefit.
Under the Government’s plans, from November 2026 people on PIP will be required to score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to receive support with everyday tasks such as washing and cooking. Those scoring less will lose access to the “daily living” component, which for some will result in a full withdrawal of the benefit.
The data, revealed in a Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Question, showed that of the 4,500 people in Portsmouth receiving the standard-rate of PIP, 86% were at risk of losing at least some of the benefit.
As Lib Dems we're proud of our record of speaking up for everyone in our community and we believe Stephen Morgan and Amanda Martin cannot bury their heads in the sand any longer and call on them to immediately press the Government to change course. These cuts are unjustifiable and risk causing untold misery for some of the city’s most vulnerable people.
This is yet more evidence of just how unjustifiable these cruel cuts have become. With a seat in government, Stephen Morgan cannot bury his head in the sand any longer. He immediately needs to come out against these cuts and press the Government to change course before it’s far too late.
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health & Care
Thousands of people in Portsmouth could see vital support stripped away, risking untold misery for many people that are barely getting by. The Government, Stephen Morgan, and Amanda Martin need to see sense and back away from these awful cuts before their devastating consequences impact so many in our community.
Personal Independence Payments: A Cut too Far
Under Labour’s plans, from November 2026 people on PIP will be required to score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to receive support with everyday tasks such as washing and cooking. Those scoring less will lose access to the daily living component, which for some will result in a full withdrawal of the benefit. These cuts are unjustifiable and risked causing untold misery for some of our city’s most vulnerable people. It’s time for Stephen Morgan and Amanda Martin to stop burying their heads in the sand any longer and immediately press the Government to change course.