The Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, Adam Dance, has criticised the government for not assessing the impact of its Spring Statement benefit changes on people at risk of poverty in Somerset.
In a parliamentary question to the work and pensions secretary, Mr Dance inquired about the estimated local impact of the reforms on benefit claimants at risk of poverty.
The minister's response revealed that no assessment has been made at either the constituency or local authority level.
Mr Dance said: "At a time when thousands of people in Yeovil are already struggling with rising costs, the government is pressing ahead with sweeping changes to disability benefits—without even bothering to check how they’ll affect local families.
"That’s unacceptable.
"If ministers won’t measure the local impact of their decisions, how can they claim to be governing fairly or responsibly?"
House of Commons Library figures show that 5,771 people in Yeovil are currently claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This means that 7.9 per cent of the working-age population in Yeovil claim PIP, which is above the South West average of 7.5 per cent, but just below the national average of 8.1 per cent.
A substantial 36 per cent of these PIP claimants in Yeovil receive the highest level of support.
Almost 40 per cent of claimants in the constituency are living with psychiatric disorders, including conditions like anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and autism.
Mr Dance said: "We’re not just talking about numbers.
"These are real people—disabled people, carers, those with long-term mental health conditions—who risk being pushed even further into hardship."
The Liberal Democrats have strongly opposed the proposed PIP cuts and wider disability reforms announced in the Spring Statement.
The party is calling for a compassionate, evidence-based approach that protects people’s dignity and ensures support reaches those who need it most.
Mr Dance added: "I will continue to speak up for disabled people in Yeovil and across Somerset.
"We need real investment in care, proper access to assistive technology, and a social security system that lifts people up—not pushes them down."
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