Government 'committed' to making £1.3bn disability benefits cut

The Government is committed to pushing ahead with a controversial £1.3 billion cut to disability benefits despite the threat of a Tory backbench rebellion, Downing Street has said.

Prime Minister David Cameron's official spokeswoman said reform of personal independence payments (PIP) was essential in order to curb the "ballooning" welfare bill.

However she said ministers would be "engaging" with MPs and disability rights groups over the coming months before tabling legislation.

"The Government's position hasn't changed. We remain committed to making these much- needed reforms," the spokeswoman said.

"We have got the time now, with the proposals out there before we bring forward the legislative proposals, to be explaining it to colleagues across the House, to be engaging with disability groups, and that's what we will do."