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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Iain Porter @iainkporter.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The first benefit cap stats have been published since the 2-child limit was scrapped. 165,000 families - containing over 370,000 children - are now hit by the benefit cap. That’s 50,000 more families than before. 1/4

Chart from the DWP showing the number of benefit capped households in Great Britain over time. It shows that 164,000 families receiving Universal Credit were affected by the benefit cap in May 2026, up from 115,000 families in February 2026. (These figures are slightly different from those quoted in this post because we have added the separate benefit cap statistics for Northern Ireland into the DWP’s statistics for Great Britain.)

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Last night the Timms Review Co-Chairs published early indications of their 'emerging recommendations'. These are not final recommendations, but are the ideas they will now discuss in workshops with disabled people and roundtables with experts. I've been considering it and here's my verdict so far 👇

gov.uk

The Timms Review: co-chair update, September 2026

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Timely piece from @chriswebbmp.bsky.social. A safety net that ensures people can afford the essentials is critical to support people back into work, stop a setback becoming a crisis and reduce the need for food banks. But Universal Credit rates aren't based on any rationale of how much things cost.

labourlist.org

'We won’t cut the welfare bill by making people poorer – we need to tackle the causes of poverty' - LabourList

Conversations about bringing down the social security bill are starting in the wrong place – arguing about what…

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Today @helenbarnard.bsky.social writes for @labourlist.bsky.social on why social security reform is not a choice between protecting disabled people or building a sustainable system. This government has a chance to show that popular and lasting reform can do both. Trussell's proposals set out how 👇

labourlist.org

'The final Timms report is Labour’s chance to get PIP reform right' - LabourList

Social security reform doesn’t need to be a binary choice between protecting disabled people or building a sustainable system.

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Helen Barnard @helenbarnard.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Excellent blog from @trusselluk.bsky.social @lucybannister.bsky.social What's missing from debates about disability benefits & PIP: Failures in Universal Credit mean PIP is now a crucial part of poverty prevention as well as broader participation in society. 1/4 www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-res...

trussell.org.uk

PIP is paying for Universal Credit's failures | Trussell

Our Senior Policy Manager, Lucy Bannister, explains that – to make PIP fair and sustainable – Timms needs to address the fact that Universal Credit is failing to cover the essentials.

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Universal Credit does not cover the cost of essentials. That means PIP has become part of the UK's anti-poverty infrastructure. What does that mean for security reforms and how do we build a sustainable system that better protects disabled people from hardship? 👇 www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-res...

trussell.org.uk

PIP is paying for Universal Credit's failures | Trussell

Our Senior Policy Manager, Lucy Bannister, explains that – to make PIP fair and sustainable – Timms needs to address the fact that Universal Credit is failing to cover the essentials.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Campaign for Disability Justice @campaignfdj.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

There's one week left for Disabled people to apply for Governent workshops and redesign PIP. Find out more and apply: www.campaignfordisabilityjustice.org.uk/timms_review...

campaignfordisabilityjustice.org.uk

Timms Review PIP workshops

The Timms Review is inviting everyday Disabled people to redesign PIP

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Helen Barnard @helenbarnard.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Excited to see this new @trusselluk.bsky.social report: 6 common sense PIP reforms to build security, remove fear, & reduce hardship. 3/4 people forced to turn to food banks are disabled. These reforms can make PIP more efficient, faster & more accurate. www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-res... 1/n

trussell.org.uk

How the Timms Review can unlock opportunity for disabled people | Trussell

Our Senior Policy Manager, Lucy Bannister, sets out why PIP is holding people back and how we fix it.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Trussell @trusselluk.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

📢 Let's be clear... Cutting social security support for disabled people would only make hardship and heath worse. And make it harder for people to get jobs.

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

At Turn2us we strongly agree with @resolutionfoundation.org that ‘simplicity, flexibility and dignity should be watchwords for the UC Review'. To make the gov’s investments in employment support worthwhile, much more needs to be done to improve the reputation and experience of accessing support.

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Required watching for anyone commenting on the Budget. Was very disappointed by the @newsagents.bsky.social's narrative in their podcast yesterday. Also - journalists - please use our 'Talking About Social Security' guide. Don't fuel harmful myths and stigma. www.turn2us.org.uk/about-us/new...

turn2us.org.uk

Supporting better conversations about social security

Turn2us has published two new guides to encourage more positive and respectful conversations about social security.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Joined friends in the sector at @turn2us.org.uk parliamentary reception. Powerful speeches @lucybannister.bsky.social, @thomasjlawson.bsky.social, @andrewwesternmp.bsky.social @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social, @terryjermymp.bsky.social. Clear tackling stigma in the social security system is essential

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

In the @bigissue.com I argue that a social security system designed around suspicion of claimants is ineffective & inefficient. "By centring its reforms around building trust and treating people with dignity and respect, the government has an opportunity to build a system we can all be proud of."

bigissue.com

How trust could transform Britain's broken benefits system

Lucy Bannister from Turn2us explains why trust, confidence and respect will be critical for the DWP’s goals in reforming benefits.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Iain Porter @iainkporter.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Great to be at powerful @turn2us.org.uk report launch in Parliament today, alongside @jrf-uk.bsky.social colleagues! Our social security system should be there for all of us when we need support, and treat people with compassion, dignity and respect #StopTheStigma

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 30/10/2025

We’re excited to keep working with our supporters, alongside MPs and the government to create a social security system we can all be proud of. Together we can #StoptheStigma and #FixtheSystem @terryjermymp.bsky.social

MP Terry Jermy holds a campaign board which states "Stop the stigma. Fix the system." Turn2us

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Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 30/10/2025

We’re so grateful to everyone who came to our campaign launch this morning. It was encouraging to see so many showing support for a social security system that treats everyone with dignity and respect. Find the report on our website: www.turn2us.org.uk/stop-the-sti... @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social

Photo of crowd gathered to hear MP Steve Darling speak.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Charlotte White @charlottemwhite.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Great to represent @ifanuk.bsky.social in Parliament this morning at the launch of @turn2us.org.uk new campaign. A brilliant event for a campaign that is desperately needed. Our social security system should be there for all of us when we need it. #stopthestigma #fixthesystem

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

🚨 Today we at @turn2us.org.uk are in parliament to launch our new report and campaign to #StopTheStigma and fix the system. Almost all of us will need our social security system at some point in our lives, but our society's distrust of claimants has been baked into its policies and practice...(1/6)

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Sam Freedman @handle.invalid · 30/09/2025

I'm getting really really fed up at constant reassertion that welfare spending is "out of control" when it is the same as the average for the past few decades. One reason disability benefit costs have risen is because core support has fallen.

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Packed event at Labour Party Conference, where we put our findings on the impact of stigma to the Minister for Social Security & Disability. Dehumanising processes are creating a culture of fear. If the government wants more effective employment support, they need to first rebuild trust in DWP.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 29/09/2025

Last night along with @thefabians.bsky.social we hosted our panel event on stigma. It was great to hear the Minister, and so many of the audience questions emphasise that humanising the system is critical to any reform. Too often people are met with suspicion and control instead of support. #Lab25

Four panelists seated on a stage with microphones, participating in a live discussion during our event, with audience members visible.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 28/09/2025

I’m Sam the Policy & PA officer at Turn2us and I’ll be doing a takeover of our BlueSky account for #Lab25 We’re excited to be heading to Liverpool. Join us later today for our panel event with @thefabians.bsky.social 7PM at The Bluecoat: fabians.org.uk/social-insec...

A photo of the departures board at Euston Station showing we are going to Liverpool Lime Street.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 26/09/2025

This Sunday at the Labour Party Conference, we will put our latest research findings and recommendations to Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability. Join us for a discussion with our panelists Professor Sara Davies, Katherine Sangster and @thomasjlawson.bsky.social

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

This week @turn2us.org.uk released new research with Uni of Bristol, demonstrating how stigma towards claimants has broken our social security system. Alex's story brings to life how damaging and nonsensical it is to treat people with such suspicion and contempt. This isn't working.

independent.co.uk

‘The benefits system is set up to make you fail – it’s devastating’

More than half of all benefit claimants (51 per cent) say that claiming has damaged their mental health, research from welfare charity Turn2Us reveals

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 24/09/2025

Turn2us will be at the Labour Party Conference with the @thefabians.bsky.social, where we will put these findings to the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Stephen Timms.   Join us on the day at Bluecoats at 7pm, Sunday 28th Sept: fabians.org.uk/social-insec...

fabians.org.uk

Social Insecurity | Fabian Society

Fabian Society

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 24/09/2025

We have today published new research with the @bristoluni.bsky.social which demonstrates the extent to which stigma has been embedded into the design of our social security system: bit.ly/47XWX5e

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Fabian Society @thefabians.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Social Insecurity: How to Restore Trust in the System Sunday 28 | 19.00 | Bluecoat | @turn2us.org.uk

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Gross snobbery, but what shines through is a system broken by a focus on control rather than support. When we're going through the demoralising search for a new job, the last thing we need is our time wasted or to be treated like a criminal. Look out for new @turn2us.org.uk research next week...

thetimes.com

I was on £100k. Now I’m on my first trip to the job centre at 48

Three months ago Frank Gibson was a high earner in the tech industry. Now he’s lost his job and his savings have run out. Can a twentysomething with long pink nails and fake lashes help him find work?

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

A few days left to apply for our new Social Change Manager role at @turn2us.org.uk - driving forward our systemic change ambition to reduce the stigma associated with needing financial support. If you're an inspiring, action-focused changemaker - please apply! www.turn2us.org.uk/about-us/job...

turn2us.org.uk

Social Change Manager

Join Turn2us as a Social Change Manager

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The Poverty Alliance @povertyalliance.org · 19/07/2025

✊ Change happens when we stand together to demand it. Join our free Get Organised meetings for #ScotlandDemandsBetter! www.povertyalliance.org/events-page/

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Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 08/07/2025

Tomorrow MPs will vote again on plans to cut over £200 a month from people too ill to work. Like our NHS, our social security system should be there for all of us when we need it. Now is your last chance to ask your MP to stop the cuts: act.turn2us.org.uk/page/173933/...

White and orange copy on a black background: In a country as wealthy as ours, sickness should never mean hunger or eviction. Last week the government accepted the need for further review and consultation before making severe cuts to PIP. The same care must be taken with Universal Credit. Write to your MP Stop the cuts to Universal Credit

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Carri Swann @carriswann.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

Section 2 of the Bill still halves the LCWRA (‘health’) element of universal credit

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PBE @pbe.co.uk · 20/06/2025

Calling economists, analysts & researchers! If you have experience in Excel spreadsheet creation or data analysis, these charities could use your help: 📈 Map data & make an impact with Hackney Foodbank 🔢 Help Leukaemia Care understand its reach Find out more here 👇 pbe.co.uk/get-involved...

pbe.co.uk

Volunteer opportunities | PBE

Current volunteer opportunities

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

So relieved to see Labour MPs standing firm in their solidarity here. Cuts to UC & PIP are simply to make short term savings and will work against DWP’s wider reform ambitions. It’s time for the government to admit that weakening our social security system is shortsighted and wrong.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Tom Pollard @pollardtom.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

This could be the fatal blow these cuts-posing-as-reforms deserve Supporting more disabled people into work is a welcome aspiration, but cutting benefits for this group to meet an imposed savings target, with no meaningful consultation, is neither supportive of nor justified by that objective

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Jessica Elgot @jessicaelgot.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

UPDATE- I’m told there are 99 signatures

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Our Chief Exec ‪@thomasjlawson.bsky.social‬ speaking about these nonsensical cuts to our social security system. "There is no moral justification for cutting the support that allows sick and disabled people to meet their basic needs, live independently, and fully take part in society."

mirror.co.uk

DWP confirms new 13-week PIP rule ahead of major benefit shake-up

A new 13-week transitional period before payments are stopped has been revealed as part of the new Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Apparently the government regrets making a financial instead of 'moral case' for its huge cuts our social security system. 🤔 Newsflash: There is no moral case for cutting critical support that enables sick and disabled people to live independently, afford the essentials and access work.

theguardian.com

Government officials brace for up to 50 Labour MPs rebelling against welfare bill

Sources say party should have focused on the moral case for reforming the benefits system

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 16/06/2025

(4/4) How we talk about social security matters. We’re asking MPs and journalists to use our Talking About Social Security guides, to ensure their messages help build up our social-security system and avoid fueling harmful stigma: www.turn2us.org.uk/about-us/new...

turn2us.org.uk

Supporting better conversations about social security

Turn2us has published two new guides to encourage more positive and respectful conversations about social security.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 16/06/2025

(3/4) The government must scrap the cuts and work with disabled people to create a social-security system that we can all trust and be proud of. Write to your MP and ask them to oppose the cuts: act.turn2us.org.uk/page/172350/...

act.turn2us.org.uk

Ask your MP to oppose the cuts

Like our NHS, our social security system should be there for us all when we need it. Cuts to disability benefits will only make it harder for people to live independently or find work. I’ve asked my M...

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 16/06/2025

(1/4) Like our NHS, our social-security system should be there for all of us when we need it. Yet, this week, the government is expected to bring forward legislation that will cut vital support and push more people, especially those who are disabled, into poverty.

Orange and white text on a black background: We need a social-security system that we can all trust and be proud of. Ask your MP to scrap cuts to vital support

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Helen Barnard @helenbarnard.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Powerful letter from @carers-uk.bsky.social calling on the government to delay planned cuts to support for disabled people & carers, and change course to implement measures that 'alleviate rather than exacerbate' carer poverty. www.carersuk.org/news-and-cam...

carersuk.org

Open letter to the Prime Minister on welfare reform | Carers UK

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

On Wednesday I was back with my Southwark Council team, celebrating the Securing the Future of Council Housing being shortlisted for the LGC's Campaign of the Year! And what a day for it - the Chancellor's social housing investment was yet another HUGE win for our campaign to #SaveCouncilHousing 🎉🏘️

Southwark Council 'Securing the Future of Council Housing' campaign team stood on the LGC Awards stage.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 11/06/2025

(1/5) In her spending review the Chancellor promises renewal, renewal that will be felt in people’s everyday lives. Every day at Turn2us we see the severe impact that financial insecurity has on the millions of people we support...

Orange and white text on a black background: Cutting critical disability support will deepen child poverty, worsen health conditions and create further barriers to employment.

Our social security system should be here for all of us when we need it.

Ask your MP to scrap the planned cuts.

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

SR response from Turn2us: "...It is fantastic to have this investment in the NHS, social housing, local transport and free school meals. However, cutting critical disability support will simultaneously deepen child poverty, worsen health conditions and create further barriers to employment...."

turn2us.org.uk

Turn2us responds to spending review

We urge the government to scrap planned cuts and work with us to deliver a social security system we can all trust.

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Ayaz Manji @ayazmanji.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

A quick thread on how planned cuts to disability benefits will affect voters in Labour-Reform battlegrounds. (1/4)

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

LSE researchers have found that 1 in 10 working-age adults are juggling low income, debt, insecure tenancies, high rents AND problems accessing NHS care 🤯😣 The Spending Review will need to reflect these challenges facing our country if the government wants to increase families' financial security.

theguardian.com

‘Stress crisis’ in UK as 5m struggle with financial, health and housing insecurity

Exclusive: Levels of ‘multi-stress’ at highest since 2008 crash, study says, with people feeling profoundly powerless

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Lucy Bannister @lucybannister.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

The government has committed to end the need for food banks and reduce child poverty. Free school meals are great, but at the same time the government is cutting critical social security support which will increase child poverty. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.com

Free school meals for more children in England is a positive thing, but there’s a catch | Polly Toynbee

The government’s announcement won’t mean much if disability and Pip cuts push more families into poverty, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

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Reposted by Lucy Bannister

Turn2us @turn2us.org.uk · 05/06/2025

At least 54 MPs are set to oppose the cuts to disability benefits. As a society, protecting people who are too sick to work and supporting Disabled people to live independently is the right thing to do. Write to your MP: act.turn2us.org.uk/page/172350/...

White and orange text on a black background. The tide is turning. Ask your MP to oppose cuts to critical support for sick and Disabled people today.

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