NEATH Port Talbot Council has backed a motion raising concerns and opposition to proposed reforms to the benefits system put forward by the UK Government.
The benefit changes could see the tightening of qualification rules for Personal Independence Payments (or Pips) which the local authority feels could have a “detrimental impact” on the most vulnerable in its communities.
The discussions came at a full council meeting in June of 2025, where members said moves to cut welfare could have a disproportionate impact on Wales, particularly in deprived areas such as Neath Port Talbot, Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent.
Speaking at the meeting, the leader of the council Steve Hunt said he would now write to both the Welsh and UK Government to ask that they “reassess the Welfare Reform Act and conduct a comprehensive review of the proposed changes with a focus on understanding their implications on vulnerable populations, especially in Wales.”
He said: “Whilst its intention is to streamline welfare offering and address physical consideration, an unintended consequence is the potential for increasing hardship amongst the most disadvantaged members of society.
“These effects may undermine the social safety net essential for ensuring a minimum standard of living, particularly for individuals who are unable to support themselves due to various socio-economic or health-related challenges.”
Deputy leader, councillor Alun Llewelyn of Cwmllynfell and Ystalyfera seconded the motion adding that a re- assessment and review were urgently needed.
He said: “It is clear that this legislation is misconceived.
“As the motion states, the intention may be to streamline welfare, but its unintended consequence will be to plunge hundreds of thousands of people in Wales deeper into poverty, and a re- assessment and review are urgently needed.”
Councillor Sonia Reynolds of the Neath Port Talbot Labour group said they had written to the Prime Minister to ask him to reconsider his stance on welfare benefits cuts and look for alternative solutions.
She added that the impact of reductions could be particularly severe in places like Neath Port Talbot, citing figures from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which suggested 24% of people in Wales currently live in poverty.
The motion was later approved unanimously by members, with an amendment that would also see the authority formally respond to the UK Governments Pathways to Work green paper which is open for consultation until June 30, 2025.
This consultation discusses proposals to reform health and disability benefits and employment support, with a focus on getting more people into work.
