The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been told to make an 'urgent' change to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments after nearly half of claimants reported that the application process worsened their condition. The call comes ahead of the interim report of the Timms Review, due on Thursday, which is expected to find the current system 'not fit' for purpose.
Sense Research Highlights Harmful Impact
Harriet Edwards, Director of Influencing at the national disability charity Sense, responded to reports that the Labour government's review will declare PIP inadequate. She stated: 'Too many disabled people are being failed by the current benefits system, and we welcome the Timms Review's acknowledgment of this. Sense research found that nearly half of disabled people with complex needs on benefits said that the application process made their conditions worse; this is clearly a system that needs to urgently change.'
Call for Co-Production and Dignity
Edwards also emphasised the importance of involving disabled people in reform: 'We are also pleased to see the review's commitment to co-production with disabled people, and look forward to being further involved in this process. Benefits like PIP are a vital lifeline for disabled people. They are the difference between people being part of their communities, seeing people they love, being able to stay active and getting to work.'
She urged the review team to prioritise improving lives over cutting costs: 'As the Timms review moves into its next phase, we urge the review team to ensure its recommendations are driven by the goal of improving disabled people's lives, not reducing public spending. Changes to welfare must remove barriers, strengthen support and build a system that treats disabled people with dignity, respect and trust.'
Review Background and Public Response
The review, led by Stephen Timms, the minister for social security and disability, was 'co-produced' with disabled people. Its stated aim was to make PIP 'fair and fit for the future'. A public consultation received 38,000 responses. PIP is currently claimed by 4 million people, but concerns over its ballooning bill have prompted scrutiny.
The benefit is assessed in two parts: daily living and mobility, with individual awards ranging from £30.30 to £194.60 per week.
