What does the 2025 Spring Statement mean for people with MS?

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, outlined several key proposals including: 

• making claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) harder from November 2026 by tightening daily living criteria
• freezing the health element of Universal Credit for new and existing claimants until 2030
• cutting Universal Credit's health element by 50% for new claimants in 2026 and 2027

Proposals to make PIP harder to claim and reduce health-related Universal Credit could deprive people with MS of support. The government is pushing these potentially harmful proposals without consultation. That’s despite their manifesto and Green Paper commitments to work closely with disabled people to shape reforms. 

What we think about the Spring Statement

The government says the world is changing, but we’re saying the needs of disabled people aren't. People with MS should get the support they need to live independent and fulfilling lives, free from poverty. And they should be treated with fairness, dignity and respect while accessing the welfare system.

That’s why we’re calling on the government to scrap the cuts to disability benefits.

Our Senior Policy Officer, and Policy Co-Chair at the Disability Benefits Consortium, Charles Gillies, says:

"The chancellor has chosen to double down on harmful benefits cuts, despite warnings this approach will push more disabled people into poverty and worsen people’s health. Since the cuts were announced last week, we’ve seen an outpouring of fear and dread from disabled people, including many with MS.

“The extra cuts announced today will heighten alarm even further, largely hitting those who are unable to work and rely on these benefits to survive. People are wondering how they’ll continue to cover their basic living expenses and the extra costs of their disability. Including visits from carers to help with things like washing, cooking and going to the toilet. The government has a moral obligation to scrap these cuts before the real damage is done.

What we’re doing

We're calling on the government to shelve its plans. We'll continue to warn the chancellor and work and pensions secretary that these benefit cuts will push more disabled people into poverty. And worsen the health of people with MS.

The government could choose to improve the welfare system to support people impacted by MS. That’s why we are calling on the government to:

• row back on the decision to tighten the PIP criteria
• scrap plans to cut and freeze the health element of Universal Credit

How can you make your voice heard?

Share our social media action to say no to cuts, and that people with MS deserve better.

Share our social media action

Join our campaigns community

We want to make sure everyone with MS is heard, so join us and raise your voice.

Sign up to get the latest information and find out how you can get involved in campaigning on disability benefits.

Join our campaigns community

Our MS Helpline is here to support you

We know today’s announcement might be worrying for many people living with MS. We’re here to do all we can to support you.

Chlöe Morton, our Head of Services said:

"While nothing is changing today, we know many people within our community are worried about the government’s proposals.

"Our team is here to listen and offer emotional support to anyone living with MS or their friends and family. If you live with MS but aren't sure if you're entitled to PIP or other benefits, our MS Helpline experts can help you understand what support is available.

Our MS Helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm for anyone who has questions about life with MS.

Whether you're worried about early signs of MS, or have lived with MS for many years, we’re here for everyone. You can contact us on 0808 800 8000 or email us at [email protected].