Merton’s Liberal Democrats have slammed Siobhain McDonagh for refusing to come out against the Government’s cuts to disability benefits, as it is revealed that 87% of people claiming the standard rate of Personal Independence Payment for daily living activities in Mitcham & Morden are at risk of losing at least some of the benefit.

Under the Government’s plans, from November 2026 people on PIP will be required to score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to receive support with everyday tasks such as washing and cooking. Those scoring less will lose access to the “daily living” component, which for some will result in a full withdrawal of the benefit.

The data, revealed in a Liberal Democrat Written Parliamentary Question, showed that of the 2,000 people in Mitcham & Morden receiving the standard-rate of PIP, 87% were at risk of losing at least some of the benefit. 

Merton’s Liberal Democrats called the cuts “unjustifiable” and risked causing “untold misery” for some of Mitcham & Morden’s most vulnerable people. They said that Siobhain McDonagh could not “bury her head in the sand any longer” and called on her to immediately press the Government to change course.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Mitcham and Morden, Cllr Jenifer Gould said:

“Thousands of people in Mitcham & Morden could see vital support stripped away, risking untold misery for many people that are barely getting by. The Government and Siobhain McDonagh need to see sense and back away from these awful cuts before their devastating consequences impact so many in our community.”

“Years of underfunding by the Tory Government and increased demand have led to a situation where councils are struggling to meet their legal duties and provide adequate care. Meanwhile these cuts could increase pressure on Merton’s adult social care system even further.”