Letter template to MPs about green paper

I’m not sure if this has already been shared but here is a template to send to your MPs about how the reforms are not treating disabled people fairly and may even be breaking the equality act.

Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Your Email]
[Date]

[MP's Name]

Subject: Urgent Concerns Over Proposed PIP Reforms

Dear [MP's Name],

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Government’s proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which risk unlawfully discriminating against disabled individuals and causing significant financial hardship.

The proposed reforms will raise the points threshold needed to qualify for PIP, requiring at least 4 points in any one descriptor. This will result in many disabled people losing their entitlement, despite their genuine need for support. Reducing access to PIP will deprive individuals of essential mobility aids, personal care, and financial security, increasing pressure on the NHS and social care services.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Equality Act 2010 & Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 – The principles of the DDA were incorporated into the Equality Act 2010, which protects disabled individuals from unfair treatment. These reforms risk violating Section 19 (indirect discrimination) and Section 20 (failure to provide reasonable adjustments), placing disabled individuals at a substantial disadvantage.

Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) – The Government must assess and mitigate the impact on disabled individuals. Failure to conduct a proper Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) would render these changes unlawful.

Human Rights (ECHR, Article 14 & Protocol 1, Article 1) – Unjustly removing financial support disproportionately impacts disabled individuals, constituting potential discrimination and unlawful interference with property rights.

Impact of the Reforms

Higher qualification thresholds will exclude many disabled people from PIP, worsening financial hardship and reducing access to vital support.

Fluctuating conditions will be inadequately accounted for under revised descriptors.

Those losing PIP may be unable to afford mobility aids, transport, and specialist care, affecting independence and well-being.

Legal Precedents

R (Bracking) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2013] – Courts have ruled that failure to properly assess the impact of benefit cuts on disabled individuals is unlawful.

Mathieson v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2015] – Unjustified removal of disability benefits can constitute discrimination under Article 14 ECHR.

Call to Action

I urge you to:

Raise this issue in Parliament and oppose these discriminatory reforms.

Demand a full Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) before implementation.

Advocate for policies that protect, rather than undermine, disabled individuals’ financial security.

The Government must not proceed with reforms that place disabled people at risk of financial hardship, loss of independence, and potential legal challenges. I request a response outlining your stance and the actions you will take.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Constituency]