Liberal Democrats call on Oldham Council to stand up to government over PIP cuts

Oldham Liberal Democrats have challenged the Labour and Independent Administration at Oldham Council to “stand up” to the government over planned changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Liberal Democrat Group Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE wrote to senior leaders raising concerns over the Labour Government’s plans to cut support available to victims of strokes, heart disease, arthritis and other serious conditions.

In his letter, Sykes writes, “In Oldham, where many families are already struggling with the rising cost of living, these changes could lead to hardship for residents who rely on PIP to meet their daily needs.

“I therefore ask you to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions setting out the dangers of the government’s planned reforms and their impact on vulnerable people across our borough and beyond.”

Councillor Sykes also called on Oldham Council to do more to step up support for people seeking welfare advice. 

“The whole point of PIP is that it supports people who are living with conditions which are not going to get better.  Removing that support is just going to put extra pressure on the NHS and social care services.  The council has a duty to make welfare advice clear and accessible for our residents.

“They could go further by challenging their own government and sending a message that these plans are wrong and harmful for people across Oldham.”