We Must Not Create a Two‑Tier Benefits System – Bradford Deserves Better

Cllr Aislin Naylor (Liberal Democrat Council Group spokesperson for Children, Social Care and Support)

Last week in Council, I spoke out against the Government’s plans to cut welfare support, plans that would unfairly hit some of the most vulnerable people in Bradford and across the country. It’s essential that we continue speaking up, because what’s being proposed isn’t just unfair; it’s deeply damaging.

A Rushed and Unfair Plan

Let’s be clear: this legislation was rushed, and it shows. It has been cobbled together without adequately considering the consequences for the people who rely on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to support their daily lives. In Bradford East alone, over 10,000 people were claiming PIP in April this year. That’s not a statistic; it’s real people with real needs.

I’ve spoken to some of them, and the message is loud and clear: these changes would have been devastating. Not just financially, but also mentally and physically.

Applauding Principles, But Where Did They Go?

When Labour backbenchers, including Bradford East’s own MP, stood up in Parliament and said, “we’re not okay with this,” I applauded them. That was the right thing to do. But sadly, that moment didn’t last long. The compromise they offered, the so-called “two-tier” system, is simply not good enough.

Let me spell it out: Two people with the exact same disability and the same support needs should receive the same level of support. It shouldn’t come down to the date you applied or when the new rules kick in. That’s not fairness. That’s a postcode lottery in time.

The Human Cost Here in Bradford

In Idle and Thackley Ward, I’ve heard from local groups who support people with learning difficulties and disabilities. They told me many of their members didn’t fully understand what was happening, but they could feel the anxiety creeping in. They’d seen the headlines, the noise on social media, but not much clarity. And they were scared.

Some of them use their PIP to pay for vital services, such as day centres—places where they gain confidence, learn new skills, and build friendships. If they lose that support, they lose so much more than money. And if fewer people can afford to attend, those services could be forced to shut their doors entirely.

Let’s not forget the carers, often family members, who provide daily support and rely on Carer’s Allowance to get by. That allowance is linked to PIP. So, if someone loses their PIP, their carer might also lose their income. That’s not just hard, it’s untenable.

“Just Get a Job” Isn’t the Answer

Some in Government might say, “They can just go out and get a job.” But for many people with disabilities or learning difficulties, that’s simply not possible, not without the proper support. And let’s be clear: PIP isn’t an out-of-work benefit. It’s there to help people, whether they’re working or not, in managing their daily lives.

Bradford Council’s Supported Employment team does great work helping people find work, but let’s not pretend employers are lining up to make this happen. There’s a lot more we need to fix before we start taking away the safety net.

What the Liberal Democrats Stand For

As a Liberal Democrat, I believe in fairness, in dignity, and in practical solutions. We don’t believe in cutting from those with the least to balance the books. If we want to properly fund support for people with disabilities, let’s start by looking at those who can afford to contribute more.

That’s why I called on the Council to write to the Prime Minister, the Chancellor, and the Secretary of State. I want them to look seriously at making big online platforms, gambling companies, and the big banks pay their fair share of tax. Because if we did that, we’d have the funds to protect services and people who need them most.

We Can Do Better

This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about real people, in our city and across the country, who are trying to live their lives with dignity. These cuts risk pulling the rug out from under them.

Let’s be honest: the current system isn’t perfect. There’s always room for improvement. This should mean making things better, not making life harder for people who are already struggling.

That’s what I’ll keep standing up for, and I hope others, inside and outside of government, will join me.