Looking back, looking ahead

As another year draws to a close, we reflect on the power of the disability movement this year and look ahead to what 2026 might bring for Disabled people. 

The power of the disability movement 

What this year has shown us is the incredible power of people when we come together. The Government’s shelving of proposed cuts to the number of people who would be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from its Universal Credit and PIP Bill was a major win for the disability movement.  

The 45,000 official responses to the ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper, along with the many open letters, petitions, letters to MPs and peaceful protests, demonstrated the passionate opposition to brutal changes that would have left even more Disabled people struggling to afford even the basics in life.   

And the Government’s recent scrapping of the two-child benefit cap is another incredible example of what’s possible when people mobilise for what’s decent and right.  

What the Government is planning in 2026

In April, changes to Universal Credit will go ahead, involving a small above-inflation increase to the standard rate and (for new claimants) a large cut in the higher rate. 

The review of PIP, which Ministers say will be co-produced with Disabled people, will report in the autumn. While the Government insists that the review won’t be an exercise in cuts, we’re aware that they’re not obliged to accept its recommendations unchanged. 

This week, the Government launched a major review into rising ‘economic inactivity’ among young people (16-24), which will report later in the year. Unlike the review of PIP, there is no commitment to co-production in this review.  

We sorely need genuine educational, training and employment opportunities for Disabled young people who are realistically able to work. But it’s vital that these are not accompanied by benefit cuts.  

Finally, proposals for the future of Access to Work (ATW) are also expected in the New Year. Given the Government’s focus on employment, we’re hoping to see a big boost to the scheme, but given current cuts to ATW awards, the opposite may prove to be the case.  

Thank you for your support

We’re hugely grateful for the backing of our growing number of campaign supporters. As we’ve seen this year, we can achieve great things when we work together.

Let’s continue to do everything we can in 2026 to push for a decent life for Disabled people.

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