The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing criticism for 'watering down' checks on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants, with new rules extending award periods significantly. Under the Labour government, the benefits system is reportedly at risk of 'falling over' due to a substantial backlog in reviews.
Officials have noted a 'significant and continuing rise' in new PIP claimants, which now totals 3.9 million people. This surge has contributed to delays in processing reviews. The new system will allow claimants aged 25 and over to receive awards for four years after an initial assessment, followed by a further six years after a review. In contrast, the current system requires reviews as often as every nine months.
Political Reactions
Helen Whately, the Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary, criticized the changes, stating: 'Reviews are the only way we can check whether an award is still correct. Fewer reviews mean more people receiving handouts for longer, at greater cost to the taxpayer.' She added that individuals who could work would instead remain on payments for years without scrutiny.
Expert Analysis
Eduin Latimer, senior research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, highlighted the financial pressures: 'In real terms, spending on working-age disability benefits has gone up from £14 billion in 2019 to £25 billion in the last financial year.' He noted that the government faces a difficult choice between accepting higher spending or reforming PIP by tightening eligibility or reducing awards.
Shimeon Lee, policy analyst at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, expressed concern: 'Taxpayers will be concerned that ministers appear to be reducing checks and extending awards for longer periods. With the welfare bill already ballooning, fewer reviews risk making it harder to ensure support reflects claimants’ current circumstances.'
The government has been urged to address the assessment backlog and control welfare costs rather than quietly reducing scrutiny.
