Labour won a resounding majority in Thursday’s general election and is expected to begin enacting its manifesto pledges imminently – and PIP and other benefits are expected to be high on the agenda
Labour’s tight-lipped stance on welfare reform has inadvertently revealed plans for “big changes” to PIP and disability benefits. The nation’s primary disability benefit, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), is on the cusp of significant overhauls under a new Labour administration.
After Labour’s sweeping victory at the polls last Thursday, securing an overwhelming Parliamentary majority, the party is poised to implement its manifesto commitments. Despite keeping mum on the details of their welfare overhaul during the election campaign, it appears that PIP and Universal Credit are high on Labour’s agenda for urgent review.
Labour MP Alison McGovern has been quoted by i as saying the welfare system needs “big changes,” with a focus on more precise PIP assessments and addressing the backlog of claimants. The manifesto states: “Our system will be underpinned by rights and responsibilities people who can work, should work and there will be consequences for those who do not fulfil their obligations.
“Long waits for treatment of health conditions, particularly mental health, are contributing to the rise in economic inactivity. Labour will reform employment support so it drives growth and opportunity.”
The proposed reforms including PIP and other benefits, emphasise the objective of moving eligible claimants to employment where suitable. Labour has committed to “work with local areas” for effective support during these changes.
A leading goal specified in the proposal states: “We will tackle the backlog of Access to Work claims and give disabled people the confidence to start working without the fear of an immediate benefit reassessment if it does not work out.”
“We believe the Work Capability Assessment is not working and needs to be reformed or replaced, alongside a proper plan to support disabled people to work.”
Whilst there are no solid plans about the direct impact on recipients, the Conservatives detailed their precise strategies concerning PIP ahead of the election, primarily aiming at managing the expenditure related to the benefit. Proposals to substitute the cash element of the benefit with vouchers, treatments, and shopping plans received fierce criticism just weeks before the election.
