Government Launches New PIP Assessment Review

The review was first muted in the Pathways to Work Green Paper on the grounds that the PIP assessment needs ‘modernising’. 

“It is over a decade since PIP was introduced, during which time there have been significant shifts in the nature of long-term conditions and disability, as well as changes in wider society and the workplace. 

However, the Green Paper says that the review will be “a major undertaking which will take time and require extensive engagement. As a result, any changes to the PIP assessment would only be introduced following the reforms set out in this Green Paper.”  

Elaborating further on this, Liz Kendall said: “In our Green Paper we promised to review the PIP assessment, working with Disabled people, the organisations that represent them and other experts, and we are starting the first phase of that review today.  

“My right hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and Disability will be inviting in stakeholders this week to develop the scope and terms of reference of this review and will keep the House updated as this work progresses.” 

Labour MP Imran Hussain then interjected to question her about the PIP cuts proposals: “Many of the 41,000 Disabled people in Bradford who rely on PIP to live with dignity and stability are rightly horrified by these proposed cuts. In particular, the four-point rule has the potential to devastate the lives of tens of thousands of people in Bradford overnight.  

Let us be clear: these plans would take away a vital lifeline from those with the greatest need living in the most deprived areas of Britain. I cannot support any cuts that worsen inequalities in places such as Bradford, so I say to the Minister in absolute sincerity: please listen to the growing calls in this place and out there to scrap these unfair cuts and instead do the right thing by taxing the super-rich so that they can pay their fair share.” 

However, in responding, Liz Kendall avoided any refence to the PIP cuts proposals but said instead: “I hear very clearly what my Hon. Friend says, but I also want to be clear to the House: if people can never work, we want to protect them; if people can work, we want to support them.  

“The truth is that a Disabled person who is in work is half as likely to be poor as one who is out of work. We want to improve people’s chances and choices by supporting those who can work to do so and by protecting those who cannot.” 

Ken Butler DR UK’s Welfare Rights and Policy Adviser said: “Once again, Liz Kendall is wrongly conflating PIP with the Green Paper’s planned work capability assessment (WCA) reform – the scrapping the WCA. 

“PIP is not an in or out of work benefit. It is a non-means tested benefit paid regardless of employment intended to help with disability related costs. 

“Any cut to PIP can only hinder the increase of Disabled people obtaining work. 

“800,000 Disabled people losing the PIP daily living component - this amounts to a minimum £4,200 loss per year. 

“Collaborating with the DWP on a reformed PIP assessment process itself based on such a savage cut is inherently problematic. 

“Given this background, it’s unlikely that a reformed DWP assessment process will be aimed at improving decision making and increasing the number of Disabeld people being awarded PIP. 

“What’s needed instead is the scrapping of the Green Paper reforms and instead the creation an improved disability benefit system based on co-production with Disabled people.” 

“What’s needed instead is the scrapping of the Green Paper reforms and instead the creation an improved disability benefit system based on co-production with Disabled people.” 

A transcript Liz Kendall's announcement and question responses  is available from Hansard. 

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