The UK Government has faced strong criticism after cancelling the only planned public consultation event in Wales on proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit. The event, scheduled to take place at the Mercure Hotel in Cardiff North, was cancelled with no alternative arrangements made, prompting accusations of disregard for Welsh communities and their right to meaningful engagement.
The welfare reforms, announced in March by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, aim to address both moral and economic challenges within the benefits system. However, the government’s own impact assessment highlights significant financial losses for many families: an average reduction of £1,720 per year, with 370,000 current PIP recipients and 430,000 future claimants potentially losing entitlement or receiving reduced support, averaging £4,500 less annually.
Despite requests from Welsh politicians and advocacy groups, no Wales-specific impact assessment has been released, raising concerns over transparency and regional considerations. Disability rights organisations have expressed particular concern, noting that 90% of standard-rate PIP claimants in Wales could be adversely affected by the reforms.
Plaid Cymru Senedd member Sioned Williams described the cancellation as “unforgivable” and urged the Welsh First Minister to intervene to ensure that affected individuals have the opportunity to participate in the consultation process. Protests also took place in Cardiff city centre, with participants criticising the original consultation venue’s inaccessibility.
The Welsh Government has formally requested that the UK Government reschedule the consultation, but no confirmation has yet been received. With these changes poised to impact thousands of vulnerable families, there is growing concern that the cancellation reflects a wider disconnect between Westminster and Welsh communities on welfare policy.
