Disability expert and campaigner Frances Ryan has outlined what Andy Burnham's Personal Independence Payment reforms could entail, as the new Labour Prime Minister considers cost-cutting changes to the welfare system. The proposals come after the interim Timms Review report, lodged by Sir Stephen Timms last week, warned that PIP is "not fit for purpose."
Scrapping Points-Based Assessments
Ryan, writing in The Guardian, urges Burnham to begin by scrapping the current points-based assessment system. Under this system, claimants answer questions on everyday tasks and receive a score out of 12. Ryan argues the system is "ill equipped to deal with the changing nature of disability, particularly the growth in mental health and fluctuating conditions." Instead, she recommends reverting to the assessment method used for Disability Living Allowance, which involved a detailed claim form and evidence from the claimant's medical team. This approach could save money by reducing reliance on private companies that conduct assessments and potentially lower appeal costs for the Department for Work and Pensions.
Indefinite Awards for Permanent Conditions
Ryan also advocates for indefinite awards for people with permanent conditions. This follows warnings from the charity Z2K, which reported over half a million "pointless reassessments" last year for individuals with conditions that have no prospect of improvement. The Timms Review, set to be finalized by the end of the year, is exploring changes to assessments, eligibility criteria, and other aspects of PIP.
Balancing Compassion and Cost-Cutting
Louise Haigh, former cabinet minister and ally to Burnham, emphasized the need for welfare reform that is both compassionate and helps young people into work. However, she also acknowledged the government must address the ballooning welfare budget. The interim Timms Review report noted that while PIP helps disabled and chronically ill people live independently, it is "unclear if other forms of support would be more effective," leaving open the possibility of non-cash alternatives in the final report. The report concluded: "PIP cannot be everything to everybody so as the review looks at the role and purpose of PIP, the steering group will have some challenging discussions."
