The real effects of benefit cuts: 'How can I not charge my wheelchair?'

Adam Gabsi is unequivocal on the subject of his personal independence payment: "It really is an essential lifeline.

- Chaminda Jayanetti

I don't feel that I would be able to function without it."

Gabsi receives his Pip disability benefit for multiple sclerosis, with which he was diagnosed 18 years ago, when he was 21.

"It's supposed to cover the costs you incur due to being disabled. My powered chair that I'm currently travelling on and my bed are powered by electrics - so increased electricity and travel costs. Some disabled people, myself included, have to travel quite frequently by black cab because not every Underground station is accessible."

Gabsi is one of the nearly 3.7 million Pip claimants, mostly in England and Wales, who are waiting to hear this week's expected announcement of Labour's plans to cut around £5bn from disability benefit spending.

One move reportedly being considered would affect current claimants - a freeze in the cash value of payments in the 2026-27 financial year, meaning they wouldn't keep pace with inflation: a real-terms benefit cut.