The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has acknowledged feedback on the proposed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reforms. The plans included changes such as swapping cash PIP payments for a range of other support including vouchers, one-off grants, a receipt-based scheme, or choosing support aids from a catalogue. The DWP has revealed that responses have been decidedly “mixed” and, in some instances, “consistently negative” following public reaction.
Currently the number of PIP claimants is at a record high with figures revealing that more than 3.6 million individuals throughout the UK now receive up to £737.20 each month.
Chris Law of the SNP queried the DWP about the UK Government’s intention to put into action the suggestions laid out in the Modernising support for independent living: the health and disability green paper. Published by the preceding Conservative leadership in April, the document sets out potential changes in the welfare system including substitution of direct PIP cash payments with alternatives like vouchers, single-time grants, reimbursement models, or selection of aid equipment from a specific catalogue.
Further considerations mentioned in the green paper include modifications to the criteria for PIP eligibility, revamping the assessment procedures, and shifting some PIP expenses to the NHS and local councils. In his written response, Sir Stephen Timms MP, minister for social security and disabilities, provided insight into the consultation process that concluded on July 22 and attracted more than 16,000 submissions in its 12-week duration, reports the Daily Record.
Mr Timms stated, “Whilst engaging with responses I can confirm that responses to the set of proposals on the reform of Personal Independence Payments was mixed and for some proposals consistently negative.” He added, “We will be setting out 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.”
Parliament is in recess until Monday, October 7, due to party conference season. However, that is also the date scheduled for the next DWP oral questions session in the House of Lords. This will be the first time the new ministerial team, led by Liz Kendall, will face questions from opposition benches and could provide millions of PIP claimants with an update on the proposals within the green paper.
The green paper explains if the DWP were to consider other ways of supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, apart from providing regular cash payments, it could continue to contribute to people’s extra costs through alternative models. These include: a catalogue/shop scheme, a voucher scheme, a receipt-based system, and one-off grants. Each of these alternatives could play a role in aiding individuals with disabilities and long-term health conditions.