Survey: Public Opposes Disability Benefit Cuts

A new national survey indicates that proposals to cut disability benefits, including the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), face significant public opposition and potential political headwinds. The British Social Attitudes survey found that only 7% of respondents support reducing spending on disability benefits, while nearly half, 49%, believe the government should increase it. These findings complicate potential cost-cutting measures by the government, as support for disability benefits remains strong across the political spectrum. Among Conservative and Reform UK voters, 40% favor increased spending on benefits for those unable to work, with only 10% supporting reductions. Support is even higher among Labour voters, with 57% backing more generous provision and just 5% favoring cuts. The survey, which polled 4,656 people across the UK between August and October 2025, highlights that disabled people are consistently viewed as among the most deserving recipients of welfare support. According to Robert de Vries, a co-author of the report and senior lecturer at the University of Kent, proposals to reduce such spending appear politically risky.