Public backing for disability benefits remains substantial despite mounting political pressure to contain costs, according to a report from the British Social Attitudes survey. The analysis found that approximately half of respondents would support increased government spending on disability benefits even if such increases required higher taxation. Conversely, fewer than one in ten people indicated they would favor reductions in disability payments. The findings suggest that proposals to cut these benefits would face considerable political headwinds across the political spectrum.
The research was based on 4,656 interviews conducted between August and October 2025. Notably, the timing of data collection occurred shortly after the government’s unsuccessful attempt to reform the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) program, a factor that may have influenced respondent attitudes. Researchers cautioned that public opinion regarding disability benefits is dependent on which groups of disabled people are considered, noting that public perception distinguishes between those viewed as “deserving” recipients and others.
Despite strong support for disability benefits specifically, broader welfare spending attitudes show less enthusiasm. When asked whether government should increase welfare payments for the poor even if it meant higher taxes, only 27% agreed while 42% opposed the proposition. This represents near-record low support for expanding poverty-related welfare benefits. However, disability benefits appear to occupy a different category in public perception, with disabled individuals ranked among the most deserving recipients of government support.
The fiscal context underscores the political complexity. Spending on disability benefits has grown substantially, rising from £16.3bn in 2019/20 to £27.3bn in 2024/25, with projections showing increases to more than £41bn by 2030. Currently, four million people in England and Wales receive PIP. Across the political landscape, Labour, Conservative, and Reform UK parties have indicated support for reducing disability and health benefit expenditures, while the Liberal Democrats, Greens, and SNP oppose such cuts. Support for enhanced disability payments extends to specific categories, with approximately 83% backing additional funds for cooking assistance, 80% for budgeting help, and 78% for washing support.
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