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PIP warning as people with mental health problems ‘could lose up to £5,750 a year’ under government plans
HUNDREDS of thousands of Brits could lose up to £5,750 in PIP due to a major overhaul, a new report warns.
The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI), founded by money guru Martin Lewis, says the proposed changes to PIP are a “catastrophic” mistake.
The government needs to reduce the welfare bill and encourage more Brits back to work, to balance the nation’s finances so it announced major cuts to PIP in March, aiming to save £5billion a year by 2030.
Currently, you qualify for PIP by earning enough points across different tasks, like cooking, cleaning, or managing money.
Under the new rules, you’ll need to score at least four points on one specific daily task to qualify.
This change could mean around 800,000 people losing their PIP payments, according to estimates from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
Research by MMHPI shows that a quarter of people likely to be affected by the changes have mental health problems.
At the same time, a third of people surveyed by the charity currently receive the higher ‘enhanced’ rate of PIP because they need a lot of support.
If they lose this, they could see their income drop by over £5,750 a year.
Others, who get the lower ‘standard’ rate, could still lose more than £3,850 a year.
Helen Undy, chief executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said: “The message to the government from this research is clear – its proposed changes to PIP will have a catastrophic impact on people with mental health problems’ wellbeing, finances, and working lives.”
“Balancing the books should not come at the price of causing misery and hardship for some of the most vulnerable people in society.”
The government says it wants to help more people get into work, but the charity argues that taking away this vital support will have the opposite effect.
In response, a spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said that most people currently claiming PIP will continue to get it.
They added: “Our reforms will help sick or disabled people move out of poverty and into good, secure jobs, while ensuring the social security system will always be there for those who will never be able to work.
“We are consulting on how best to support those impacted by the new eligibility changes, and have also announced a review of the PIP assessment, working with disabled people and key organisations representing them to consider how best to do this.”
WELFARE SHAKE-UP
IN March, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced major welfare cuts to balance the nation’s finances and boost employment.
Key welfare changes include:
- Raising the eligibility threshold for PIP, achieving £3.4billion in annual savings.
- Temporarily introducing an above-inflation rise to Universal Credit’s standard allowance (until 2029), while reducing the highest incapacity payment.
- Banning under-22s from claiming incapacity benefits under Universal Credit entirely.
- Slashing Universal Credit incapacity benefits for new claimants
- Abolishing the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) by 2028, with all health-related payments to be transitioned to PIP in the future.
- Launching a “Right to Work Guarantee”, allowing unemployed individuals to attempt returning to work without losing benefits if they find it unsustainable.
- Merging jobseeker’s allowance and employment support allowance, with a system that awards higher payments to those who have a work history compared to those who have not.
More benefit cuts on the way
It’s not just PIP facing cuts.
The government is also consulting on making major changes to Universal Credit, including reducing incapacity benefits and replacing work capability assessments.
People already receiving incapacity payments will continue to get £416.19 per month, but this amount will stay the same until 2030.
For new claims from April 2026, the payment will be reduced to £208.10 per month (£50 per week) and will also stay at this lower rate until 2030.
The DWP has stated that a new premium will be introduced for those with the most severe, lifelong conditions who are unable to work, though the specifics of this proposal have yet to be disclosed.
The Work Capability Assessment, which determines whether someone is deemed fit for work or has limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA), will be scrapped by 2028.
Instead the DWP will use the PIP assessment to assess entitlement for any Universal Credit health supplements.
Claimants under the age of 22 will no longer be eligible for the health element of Universal Credit.
The government is also introducing legislation to remove barriers to employment for benefit claimants by ensuring that attempting work will no longer automatically trigger a reassessment or review of their award.
The intention is to give people the confidence to try work without fear of immediately losing their benefits if it doesn’t work out.
The government has promised to increase the Universal Credit standard allowance from April 2026, despite these changes.
What are Work Capability Assessments?
The DWP uses the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to evaluate a claimant's ability to work when applying for Universal Credit due to a health condition or disability.
The WCA focuses on assessing functional limitations rather than specific medical diagnoses.
It considers both physical and mental health, awarding points based on how an individual’s condition impacts their ability to carry out daily activities.
After the assessment, claimants may be placed into one of two groups – Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA).
Claimants assigned to the LCW group are recognised as currently unfit for work but may be capable of returning to employment in the future with the right support and assistance.
Those in this group are required to engage in work-related activities, such as attending Jobcentre appointments or training courses.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in sanctions, including a reduction or suspension of benefits.
Claimants are placed in the LCWRA group if their health condition or disability is considered so severe that they are not expected to be able to work or participate in any work-related activities in the foreseeable future.
Those in the LCWRA group receive an additional amount on top of their standard Universal Credit allowance currently worth £423.27 a month.
What’s happening to the Universal Credit standard allowance?
As part of the changes announced in March, the government will increase the standard allowance for Universal Credit.
This basic payment will temporarily rise at a rate higher than inflation, with an increase based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) plus an additional 5%.
For a single individual aged 25 or over, this means their weekly payment will rise by £7 from April 2026, increasing from the current £92 per week to £106 per week by 2029.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) previously estimated that these above-inflation increases will provide the average claimant with an additional £775 in cash terms by 2029, compared to inflation-only adjustments.
Argentina lined up to play controversial friendly in RUSSIA this year despite Fifa ban
ARGENTINA are set to play Russia in an international friendly this November.
The Russian national team has largely been shunned since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
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‘He’s miles off’ – Brit heavyweight ace tipped for stardom ‘shouldn’t be in conversation’ for world titles, says rival
RISING British boxing star Moses Itauma has been warned against taking on world titles fights at this stage of his career.
Heavyweight rival Dave Allen reckons the 20-year-old has the talent, but lacks the necessary experience to challenge a world champion.
Itauma‘s professional record stands at 12-0 with his most recent win against Mike Balogun in the WBO Inter-Continental bout in Glasgow.
The Slovak-born Brit dropped his American opponent Bologun, 41, three times in two rounds, before ending it with a TKO.
And WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Dave Allen has given his opinion on the breakthrough star.
Allen told talkSPORT: “I think he’s the real deal, but to go from the opposition he is facing to a Joseph Parker would be irresponsible matchmaking.
“People are talking about Itauma boxing for a world title soon, he is miles off it right now.”
“He can beat anyone in two or three rounds at the moment. But we haven’t seen him go past that yet.
“I think he’s an incredible prospect, but that’s all he is still.”
The rising heavyweight star turned professional two years ago and already has 10 KOs on his record.
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Allen recognised Itauma’s talent, but believes he should take a more calculated root to a shot at a world title.
He added: “We haven’t even seen him box for a British title yet. Dempsey McKean is British title level, he shouldn’t be in that conversation for Joseph Parker yet.
“Not for talent, offensively he is already one of the best heavyweights in the world. But he hasn’t been hit back and hasn’t been hit under pressure.”
Allen named Anthony Joshua’s rival Jermaine Franklin as the perfect opponent to take him past the first rounds.
The 33-year-old said: “We need to see him in with someone who gives him a fight, I think someone like Jermaine Franklin.
“I think he can become world champion, but talk of titles right now is just too much, he’s miles off.”
Itauma, who is Frank Warren’s fighter, was initially tipped as the teenager to break Mike Tyson’s youngest world champion record at the age of 20 years and four months.
He will likely return on July 19 on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch with Daniel Dubois.
Common toilet habit could risk death every time you go, warns expert – are you guilty of doing it?
EVERYBODY poops – it’s a natural part of most people’s everyday.
But your toilet trip could take an unexpected turn if you find yourself performing the Valsalva manoeuvre, an expert warns.
The Valsalva manoeuvre involves taking a deep breath, closing the mouth and nose, and forcefully exhaling as if trying to bear down, increasing pressure in the chest.
And it’s commonly seen during defecation.
Michelle Spear, professor of anatomy at University of Bristol, says: “For most people, it’s harmless. But for those with heart problems, this strain can lead to ‘defecation syncope’ (fainting), irregular heart rhythms and even sudden death.”
Writing for The Conversation, Spear explains it all has to do with the vagus nerve – the system that helps control your heart rate.
When it becomes overstimulated, through intense straining or pressure in the rectum, it can cause bradycardia (a dangerously slow heartbeat), low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
She adds: “This makes defecation a surprisingly high-stakes event for those with underlying heart conditions.”
Elvis Presley is one of the most well-known celebrities to have died while straining on the toilet.
He was found on the bathroom floor of Graceland on August 16, 1977, and while fans speculated about a drug overdose, a post-mortem revealed he’d suffered chronic constipation exacerbated by a high-fat, low-fibre diet, and prolonged opiate use.
On the morning of his death, he was reportedly straining forcefully, and “the Valsalva manoeuvre may have triggered a fatal arrhythmia in a heart already compromised by years of prescription drug abuse and poor health“, says Spear.
Straining isn’t the only health danger toilets present.
Spear also warns sitting too long on the loo could raise the risk of haemorrhoids and anal fissures.
She says: “Modern habits add new risks. Bringing your smartphone to the toilet often means longer sitting times.
“This increases pressure on the rectal venous plexus (the network of veins around the rectum), raising the risk of haemorrhoids and anal fissures.”
Scrolling on your phone in the bog may also pose microbial dangers.
Phones can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses if not regularly cleaned.
A study found some phones were contaminated with faecal matter and that smartphones can harbour more germs than toilet seats.
And toilet posture can also cause issues.
Spear warns: “The western-style sitting toilet, unlike the squatting toilets common in parts of Asia and Africa, places the rectum at an angle that makes defecation more effortful and hence more likely to provoke straining.
“This is why some people use footstools or ‘toilet squat platforms’ to adjust their position and reduce the risk of complications.”
So just remember, next time nature calls, avoid straining, think twice about settling down with your phone, and make sure you’re sitting in the right position.
These tips below could also make your bowel movements run more smoothly…
What you can do to help your bowel movements
TO improve your bowel movements, focus on a high-fibre diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and develop a consistent bowel routine.
Increase fibre intake
Aim for at least 18 grams of fibre per day. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts in your diet.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water (1.5-2 litres per day) to help soften stools.
Regular exercise
Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or jogging, to stimulate bowel movement.
Develop a consistent routine
Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge, and try to go at the same time each day, if possible.
Consider probiotics
Some people find that taking probiotic supplements or consuming probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt) can help regulate bowel movements.
Consult a doctor
If you have persistent constipation or other digestive issues, consult with a doctor to rule out underlying conditions and discuss appropriate treatment options.
The Body Shop is making a comeback – and launching 7 new products – here are our honest thoughts
THIS time last year, it looked like we might be losing The Body Shop for good.
In February 2024, the high-street beauty retailer went into administration, prompting 75 store closures and nearly 800 job cuts in the UK.
A combination of dwindling Christmas sales, changes in beauty trends and rising inflation had led to The Body Shop’s downfall – despite it being worth £207million in 2023.
Once the pioneers in sustainable beauty – the brand was the first global beauty label to unite against animal testing – it looked like it might be closing its doors forever.
But, thankfully, it’s come back with a bang!
In 2024, a deal was struck between The Body Shop and cosmetic retail tycoon Mike Jatania, who acquired the business with his consortium, Auréa.
With ambitious plans to keep all 113 stores open, The Body Shop is up and running, and in the black again, cashing in a healthy £2m profit during its first three months with Auréa.
The Body Shop’s social media accounts are booming, its stores are getting busier, and it’s just dropped two exciting limited-edition product ranges – the cosy, warming Tender Tonka, and the zingy, summery Refreshing Passionfruit.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Tender Tonka Limited Edition Range
The Body Shop Tender Tonka Eau De Toilette, £22
You can’t argue with an EDT that costs just £22 – especially when it’s as gorgeous as this.
This lightly spiced, cosy fragrance has a festive feel to it, despite being launched during one of the warmest springs on record.
With notes of creamy vanilla orchid, aromatic incense and fresh cedar, it’ll keep you warm on al fresco summer evenings.
The Body Shop Tender Tonka Fragrance Mist, £13
A lighter and more refreshing version of the EDT, this spritz is perfect for scent layering.
The bottle produces a fine mist, which can be used on skin, clothes, and hair – or used as a base for your favourite perfume.
The Body Shop Tender Tonka Body Cream, £20
Another great way to ensure your fragrance lasts longer is to layer it over a scented body cream, and here’s the perfect formula.
This thick, indulgent body cream has a butter-soft formula that creates a hydrating veil over the skin, thanks to softening shea butter, without feeling sticky.
It leaves skin delicately scented and gloriously moisturised, without breaking the bank.
Refreshing Passionfruit Limited Edition Range
The Body Shop Refreshing Passionfruit Shower Gel, £8.50
Worlds apart from Tender Tonka’s soft, cosy notes, Refreshing Passionfruit has a real zesty, fruity kick.
This tangy but not overly sweet shower gel lathers into a sensual suds, and has delicious notes of vanilla, apple and peach.
It’s the perfect companion for an energising morning shower.
The Body Shop Passionfruit Body Yogurt, £13
The Body Shop’s Body Yogurt products are unlike anything you’ll have tried before – think easy absorption, instant cooling and immediate hydration.
The gel-like formula quickly sinks into skin, leaving it refreshed and beautifully scented.
There’s something very satisfying about this lightweight, juicy moisturiser – it needs to be tried to be believed!
The Body Shop Refreshing Passionfruit Body Scrub, £19
If you’re planning on fake tanning this summer, it’s time to invest in a good body scrub.
Using a scrub the night before you tan – whether you’re doing it at home or going to a salon – helps buff away dead skin, bumps and imperfections, leaving you with a smoother finish.
With kiwi seeds and passionfruit oil, plus tingling menthol, the formula leaves skin soft and glowing.
The Body Shop Refreshing Passionfruit Body Mist, £13
Beach bags at the ready – this spritz is your perfect summer holiday companion.
Perfect for tossing into a day bag, the quenching formula is packed with juicy passionfruit, soft vanilla and sugary peach.
At just £13 a pop, this hydrating, water-based formula is a winner.
What will you be adding to your basket this summer?
How To Save Money On Beauty Buys
IF your purse is feeling tighter than ever before and you're looking to save cash on your make-up routine, have you ever thought of trying out beauty dupes?
Here are five of the best recommended beauty buys that are almost identical to the posh versions, but at a fraction of the price.
FACE BASE If you can’t afford Charlotte Tilbury‘s £52 Magic Cream, why not try a dupe that costs just £5.49 from Superdrug?
TONE IT UP If Drunk Elephant’s £62 Protini Cream is out of your price range, you’ll need to check out the new dupe in Home Bargains.
TINTING IT With Fenty’s game-changer skin tint costing £29, a popular supermarket’s affordable alternative might just be the thing for you.
GET COVERED At £29 for a Tarte concealer, the new Primark dupe is much more affordable at just £3.50.
SPRAY YAY For those wanting to smell fresh without the price tag, Aldi’s new Prada and Chloe perfume dupes cost a fraction of the price.