Minister confident about Welfare vote

THE Health Secretary signalled confidence that the Government will win a crunch vote on welfare reforms next week, but did not rule out further concessions.

- HELEN CORBETT & GEORGE LITHGOW Press Association

Wes Streeting said the changes “have put us in a much better position” and give “peace of mind” to those currently in receipt of personal independence payments.

The Government's original welfare package had restricted eligibility for Pip, but in a climbdown to stave off a backbench rebellion, the changes will now only apply to new applicants.

Mr Streeting said this was not unusual for such a transition.

“When things change and evolve as you bring in new systems, it does change sometimes from group to group, student finance being an example,” he told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme.

He said “we’ve got to listen” when asked if further concessions could be made on Pip.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has called for the Government to start from scratch on the Bill and said the latest plans were “divisive and sinister”.