Disabled artist Kate Stanforth criticises Welfare Reform Bill

Kate Stanforth, a disabled artist and activist based in West Northumberland, has called the bill, formally titled the Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Reform Bill, 'alarming', saying it risks deepening poverty and insecurity for some of society’s most vulnerable.

"As someone who is chronically ill and disabled, I rely on disability benefits to manage essential costs related to my health, mobility, and independence. But the system often feels dehumanising and inaccessible," said Kate.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, the government minister who introduced the Welfare Reform Bill, appearing at the House of Commons in July. (Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire) Kate, who runs the 'Kate Stanforth Academy of Arts CIC', a non-profit providing professional arts opportunities worldwide for disabled and chronically ill dancers, described the application process for Personal Independence Payment as 'exhausting', citing long forms and assessments that overlook fluctuating and invisible conditions, and a culture of disbelief.

"I’ve had to fight to be believed. Like many others, I live in fear of getting a brown envelope from the DWP saying my support has been cut, or that someone will report me for seeing me on a 'good' day without taking into account the impact of my condition - both of which have happened," added Kate.

The Welfare Reform Bill, which passed its third reading in July, introduces several major changes.

The government has said that while existing PIP claimants are protected, new rules will reduce the Universal Credit health top-up from £97 to £50 per week for new applicants starting in 2026. 

Disability Rights UK has estimated that also a delay in access to the UC health element until age 22 could cost disabled 16-21-year-olds nearly £100 per week, affecting an estimated 110,000 individuals.

"These aren't just numbers; it’s about dignity, independence, and survival. The 'disability price tag' is around £975 per month, according to Scope. Cutting support won’t change that cost; it just pushes people closer to poverty," noted Kate.

Despite her disappointment, Kate acknowledged that Hexham MP Joe Morris had listened to concerns raised by local disabled people ahead of the vote. However, she criticised his support for the bill.

"Many of us hoped for stronger representation. Our MP is not just a representative - he is an extension of our voice."

Kate emphasised the need for change beyond welfare policy, calling for accessible healthcare, particularly mental health support, education, arts, and employment, and urging that disabled people be central to policymaking, not consulted as an afterthought.

"Support isn't real if it’s inaccessible or impossible to fight for. Being disabled shouldn’t mean living in fear of reassessment or in poverty."

In response, Joe Morris issued this statement: "The welfare system we inherited from the Conservatives simply does not work, and every week my office supports constituents who have been let down by it. Before the vote, I met with many residents, including Kate, to hear their concerns directly and ensured that those concerns were heard by ministers."

MP for Hexham Joe Morris. (Image: Andy Commins) He noted that he was 'glad' Labour listened to the voices of disabled people and made several late changes to the bill, including protecting existing PIP claimants and scrapping the controversial Work Capability Assessment, a process that had previously forced many disabled people to undergo repeated, stressful reassessments.

"The welfare system needs reforming so it can truly support disabled people with dignity and security. Moving forward, it is paramount that disabled people’s voices remain at the heart of any reform, and I am committed to meeting regularly with local advocates to ensure those voices are heard in Westminster," added MP Morris.