Versus Arthritis Statement

Joe Levenson, assistant director for UK Advocacy and Health Intelligence at Versus Arthritis, said in response to last night's vote and concessions on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill:

“This ill thought out and illogical Bill should never have been brought before Parliament. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) provide a much-needed lifeline that enables people with disabilities and long term, often fluctuating conditions like arthritis to lead more independent lives.

“While it might have been a very late intervention, we welcome the commitment by the Government to remove damaging parts of the Bill in relation to PIP. Such is the strength of feeling, more than 40,000 of our community called on their MPs urging them to vote against the proposals.  It is clear that the powerful voices of people with arthritis were heard tonight across the House of Commons and made a difference.

“Now as Government rethinks its approach to reforming the welfare system, the voices and experiences of people with arthritis absolutely must be centre stage. We look forward to working with the Government and others across the sector to improve the PIP system so that it delivers for people with arthritis now, and into the future.”