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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

In answering these questions, great care is needed. Whilst PIP is rightly not means-tested, the reality is that it's become a major part of our country's anti-poverty infrastructure. Therefore, any changes to eligibility or levels of support risk plunging disabled people further into hardship.

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

However, lots of critical detail missing, making it impossible to judge whether their proposals will strengthen or weaken PIP: - How are eligibility criteria and levels of support changing? - What kind of in-kind support? Will it be voluntary? Replace cash support? - What is the plan for the WCA? 🤔

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

So we strongly welcome the focus on changes that will get PIP assessments right first time, make better use of medical evidence and have a more intelligent approach to award reviews - as well more learning from mistakes. Our proposals provide further detail on how these ambitions can be delivered.

trussell.org.uk

Making PIP work | Trussell

A report with new proposals for the Timms Review, making Personal Independence Payment work for disabled people and society.

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

Very pleased to see such strong focus on improving the experience of accessing PIP. Traumatic and frequent reassessments, wrong decisions that people have to fight to overturn, and long delays all create hardship and fear, and holds people back from their life goals.

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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

See the detail of Trussell's proposals to make PIP work here - building security, removing fear and reducing hardship. www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-res...

trussell.org.uk

Making PIP work | Trussell

A report with new proposals for the Timms Review, making Personal Independence Payment work for disabled people and society.

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

Whilst eligibility for PIP is not related to employment status, the system creates fear that trying work, exercise, or socialising may be used to justify taking away critical support. Stronger ‘right to try’ measures would give the many people who feel trapped by PIP the confidence to try work.

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

Then at award review, it pretty much starts again with lengthy forms, traumatic experiences, costly face to face assessments and risk of mistakes. A more intelligent review process, that avoids costly unnecessary reassessments and makes better use of existing evidence would create breathing space.

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

PIP assessments are often traumatic and the decisions too often wrong. With better use of medical evidence and simple changes to the application and assessment processes, DWP can get decisions right first time, reducing costly and stressful appeals and tribunals.

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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

*social security* reforms obviously!

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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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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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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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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

Our new report - From stigma to support - sets out three critical changes to ensure the government's reforms actually improve the system: 1. Transform PIP - from interrogations to support 2. Invest in training & capacity of frontline DWP staff 3. End sanctions to nurture confidence and ambition

turn2us.org.uk

Stigma to support: Rebuilding trust in our social security system

Our recommendations to policy makers to de-stigmatise the social security system (DWP) so people can get the help they need.

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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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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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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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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

By ensuring its reforms build trust and restore dignity & respect, the government has an opportunity to deliver a social security system we can all be proud of. Read our full recommendations 🤓 www.turn2us.org.uk/stop-stigma And support our campaign 📣 www.turn2us.org.uk/stop-the-sti... (END)

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

3. DWP need to stop the surveillance: Sanctions and prescriptive conditionality are infantilising, erode trust and don't help people into work. We are backing @neweconomics.bsky.social's proposal for a 3-month period of voluntary engagement to instead nurture confidence, ambition and hope. (5/6)

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

2. DWP must restore trust as a foundation for effective engagement: Work coaches & assessors can either help overcome shame, build confidence and enable people to succeed – or further reinforce stigma. DWP staff need the time, capacity and training to build trust and provide tailored support. (4/6)

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

1. DWP need to transform access to PIP, from interrogation to support: The Timms Review should consider learnings from Scotland’s embedding of dignity & respect, simplifying application forms, reducing unnecessary assessments, and assessors that understand the reality of life with a disability (3/6)

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

Our insights show that ambitions to support more people into new and better work are doomed to fail - unless the government addresses the reputation, culture and distrust of PIP assessments and Jobcentres. We're calling for 3 changes for a more effective, efficient and compassionate system👇 (2/6)

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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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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 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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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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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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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

Demoralising, frustrating processes are harming individuals - half of claimants said the process worsened their mental health - and eroding trust in DWP. To successfully improve employment support and the PIP assessment, government reforms must prioritise treating people with dignity and respect.

turn2us.org.uk

Experiences of the UK social security system

How the experience of accessing benefits support impacts claimants and the overall effectiveness of the social security system.

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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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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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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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