Jade Wright

Reform UK has proposed abolishing Personal Independence Payment and the health element of Universal Credit for working-age adults, replacing support for people with severe conditions with a new Health Security Allowance. The party says its wider welfare changes could save more than £50 billion, but estimates that 2.89 million existing claimants could have payments modified or withdrawn after reassessment. The plans would also introduce council-managed disability support accounts and require employers to fund support for employees returning from long-term sickness. Labour and the Conservatives criticized the proposals, with Labour calling the savings estimate unrealistic and accusing Reform of shifting costs onto employers.

A campaign calling for free or low-cost passenger drop-offs at UK airports is gaining support after Bournemouth Airport raised its fees to £8 for up to 30 minutes, £15 for 30–60 minutes and £20 for one to four hours. Campaigners, led by Mugdim Mujakovic, argue that the charges unfairly burden families, airport workers, taxi drivers and chauffeurs, and claim UK airports collectively collect more than £100 million annually from drop-off fees. They are urging the Government and airport authorities to introduce a fairer system with free brief stops.