News
Universal Credit and PIP Reform Bill sparks national outcry
Charities warn cuts could plunge disabled people into hardship as MPs prepare to vote
A NEW welfare reform bill introduced by the UK Government has triggered fierce criticism from charities, disabled rights groups, and MPs, who warn that the proposed changes could push hundreds of thousands into poverty.
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Reform Bill, tabled in Parliament this week, is being called the most significant welfare cut since 2015. The bill proposes sweeping changes to how disability benefits are assessed and allocated—reforms the government claims are necessary for sustainability, but which campaigners say amount to a rollback of vital support.
Helen Barnard, Director of Policy at the Trussell Trust, said the bill “does almost nothing to ease the concerns of hundreds of thousands of disabled people who fear that their social security support will be ripped from them. In fact, this bill will push nearly half a million more people into severe hardship and towards the doors of food banks.”
What the Bill Proposes
Among the most contentious elements of the bill are:
- Stricter eligibility criteria for PIP, potentially removing or reducing support for up to 800,000 claimants.
- A reduction in the Universal Credit health element, from £97 to £50 per week for new claimants, frozen until 2029.
- Cuts to Carer’s Allowance which could see around 150,000 carers lose up to £4,200 annually.
- Three-month transition protections, and special exemptions for terminally ill or severely disabled people—measures many say are too limited.
Charities argue that these changes will disproportionately affect people with mental health conditions, fluctuating conditions, and those who rely on informal care.
Evidence of rising need
The Trussell Trust, which operates a network of food banks across the UK, reports that three in four people referred to their services are disabled or live with someone who is. The charity has directly linked failed benefit assessments to increased food bank use. Their data shows that for every 100 failed PIP reassessments, approximately 93 additional food parcels are handed out.
Furthermore, almost half of all Universal Credit recipients report running out of food monthly, and over a million skip meals regularly due to inadequate support. The cost to public services of hunger and hardship is already estimated at £13.7 billion per year.
Political fallout
The bill has also sparked a political storm. Labour MPs are reportedly preparing a significant backbench rebellion, despite the party leadership instructing them to abstain from voting. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Alison McGovern has called for the government to publish a full impact assessment before moving forward.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has warned that the proposals could remove up to £4,300 annually in support for around 1.2 million disabled people.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has also raised alarm, estimating that around 600,000 people could lose £2,400 per year as the reforms link UC health payments more closely to PIP entitlement.
Disabled voices
Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), a grassroots campaign group, has called the legislation “immoral and devastating,” and organised national protests under the banner #WelfareNotWarfare. The Disability Benefits Consortium, which includes charities like Scope, Parkinson’s UK, and Mind, says the bill could particularly harm people with less visible or fluctuating conditions.
Government response
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) maintains the bill is about targeting support more effectively. A spokesperson said the government was “committed to protecting the most vulnerable” and pointed to the inclusion of transition periods and exceptions for the terminally ill.
However, critics argue the lack of a published impact assessment makes it impossible to evaluate who will be affected and how deeply. As of now, no official analysis has been released.
What happens next
The bill is due to be debated in Parliament in the coming weeks. Campaigners are urging the public to contact their MPs and demand a halt until a full impact assessment is available.
If passed, the changes could come into force from early 2026.
The stakes
With over 1.2 million people facing potential reductions or complete loss of disability-related support, this bill marks a turning point in the UK’s social security policy. Critics warn that it risks entrenching poverty and hunger, and undermining the government’s own promises on growth, dignity, and reducing reliance on emergency food provision.
As debate intensifies, one thing is clear: the country is on the brink of a major shift in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.
The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
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