Bangor City Council has issued a call for local MP Claire Hughes to oppose controversial welfare reforms proposed by the UK Government, expressing deep concern over the impact the cuts will have on vulnerable communities across the city.

At a full council meeting held on Monday, 14 April 2025, councillors voted in favour of a motion titled “Opposition to Welfare Cuts in the Westminster Government’s Green Paper”. The motion passed by a majority, with three abstentions and two votes against.

The Green Paper on Welfare Reform, recently published by the Labour-led Westminster Government, outlines a series of proposed changes to the welfare system, including stricter eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), revisions to Universal Credit assessments, and a general tightening of disability benefit supports. Ministers have argued that the changes are aimed at streamlining the system and encouraging more people into work, but the proposals have sparked outrage among disability rights groups and anti-poverty campaigners.

In its motion, Bangor City Council condemned the cuts, warning they will “have a disproportionate and devastating impact on the most vulnerable residents of Bangor.” The Council highlighted groups most at risk, including low-income families, disabled people, armed forces veterans, and those already struggling amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“Further reductions in welfare support will only deepen inequality and increase demand on already stretched local services,” the motion states.

The Council is now urging Claire Hughes, MP for Bangor Aberconwy, to:

  • Publicly oppose the proposed cuts, particularly changes to the PIP assessment criteria, and vote against them when they come before Parliament.

  • Call on the Westminster Government to withdraw the measures and instead invest in social security programs that promote dignity and financial stability.

  • Collaborate with local stakeholders, including charities and community organisations, to mitigate the impact of any future reforms.

A spokesperson for the Council said, “We are standing up for our residents and calling for compassionate, evidence-based policies that reflect the real needs of our communities. These proposals would leave many in Bangor worse off, with fewer options for support.”

The Council has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that “no one in our community is left behind, especially those who are most vulnerable.”