DWP has explained there’ll be a comprehensive review before any changes are implemented
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that no alterations to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be made until a “comprehensive review” of the disability benefit is completed, which is expected by next Autumn.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, will spearhead the review with contributions from disabled people, organisations, experts and other stakeholders, reports the Daily Record.
His remarks were in response to a written query from Conservative MP, Blake Stephenson, who questioned the “potential impact of the Personal Independence Payments Bill on public finances”.
Sir Stephen said: “Clause 5 of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill would have amended the legal framework underpinning PIP assessments, specifically by implementing a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP.”
He added: “In light of the concerns raised, we have removed clause 5 from the Bill in Committee. Any changes to PIP eligibility will come after a comprehensive review of the benefit, led by myself and co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard. This review aims to ensure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future.”
Sir Stephen Timms stated that the DWP is “committed to working closely with the devolved governments throughout the Timms review”.
He said: “The government has launched a comprehensive review of the PIP assessment, to ensure it is fair and fit for the future. I shall lead the review, and it will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard. We are committed to working closely with the devolved governments throughout the Timms review.
“In the course of my stakeholder engagement, I have spoken to disability stakeholders from Scotland, to draw on devolved government perspectives in designing the work of the review. We will continue to engage disability stakeholders from across the UK throughout the review.”