‘No plans’ for DWP to reply to Tory govt PIP reform proposals

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed they won’t be publishing a response to the previous Conservative government's consultation about reforming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The consultation, titled "Modernising support for independent living: the health and disability green paper," closed on 22 July. Over 16,000 responses were received, strong feelings about the proposed changes.

What’s PIP?

PIP is one of several ways people can get money to help with disability.

It’s different from incapacity benefit, which is paid to those who are too ill to work.

Instead, PIP offers help with the extra living costs that come with long-term conditions.

You can claim up to £737.20 monthly PIP cash payments if you:  

• are over 16
• are under the state pension age of 66
• have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
• have difficulty doing everyday tasks or getting around
• expect your difficulties to last for at least 12 months

Mixed and negative responses

The Tory-led reforms aimed to cut £12 billion from the welfare bill each year until 2030. Some of proposals included:

• replacing monthly PIP cash payments with vouchers, one-off grants, a receipt-based scheme, or a catalogue for choosing support aids
• changing the PIP eligibility criteria
• reviewing the assessment process
• passing PIP costs on to the NHS and local authorities

Sir Stephen Timms, minister for social security and disabilities, , said that responses to the proposals were mixed and, in some cases, “consistently negative”.

This suggests that many people with money troubles were worried about how the changes could impact their lives.

Commitment to working with disabled people on future plans

While the current government has no plans to publish a response to the consultation, Sir Stephen Timms said they’re committed to prioritising the rights of disabled people and those with health conditions.

He said:

"We will be considering our own plans for social security in due course and will fulfil our continued commitment to work with disabled people so that their views and voices are at the heart of all that we do."