The British public have shown strong support for protecting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as the government considers potential changes to disability benefits, according to a new survey. The British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey, conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), found that 49 per cent of respondents said there should be more spending on DWP disability benefits, compared to just 7 per cent who favoured less spending.
The findings come as the government awaits the final report of Sir Stephen Timms's review into Personal Independence Payments, with disability equality charity Scope saying the results send a clear message to the Labour government and Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Charity says public message is clear
James Taylor, from Scope, told BirminghamLive that PIP "exists to help with the extra costs disabled people face, whether they are in work, out of work, or unable to work". He said the study shows the public thinks PIP must be protected for claimants.
Taylor added: "The latest BSA survey sends a clear message: the public do not support balancing the books on the backs of disabled people. Ministers must truly listen to disabled people before making any changes to disability benefits and build a system around their lives."
Survey shows strong support despite political divisions
Dr Robert de Vries, senior lecturer in quantitative sociology at the University of Kent and BSA co-author, said: "Despite growing political divisions on welfare, support for disability benefits remains remarkably strong. Very few people favour cuts; disabled people are seen as among the most deserving recipients of support, and proposals to reduce disability benefits appear politically risky across the political spectrum."
The survey's findings highlight that almost half of people believe the government should increase spending on disabled people, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the small minority who want to see reductions. This public backing comes at a critical time, as the government reviews the future of PIP and considers how to address the costs associated with the benefit.
NHS challenges also highlighted
Bea Taylor, co-author of the report and Fellow at the Nuffield Trust, commented on the parallel findings regarding the NHS: "There is a striking similarity in the inheritance faced by the current Labour government and its New Labour predecessor when it comes to the NHS: low public satisfaction driven by concern over the speed at which patients can access care."
She added: "But this time around the malaise felt by the public about the NHS is more widespread, affecting perceptions of all NHS services, not just hospital care. What's more, the long tail of the Covid-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves through the NHS, making the road to recovery much more challenging for the current Government."
The BSA survey results come against a backdrop of ongoing discussions about benefit spending, with the government yet to publish the findings of Sir Stephen Timms's review into PIP. For claimants in work, out of work, or unable to work, the outcome of this review will determine the future of the support they receive.
