Disability benefits review finds system not fit for purpose in England and Wales
8 reported
A government review of Personal Independence Payments (Pip) in England and Wales is expected to conclude that the current system is “not fit for purpose” and requires a complete redrawing of the assessment process, according to The Guardian. The review, led by disability minister Stephen Timms, was commissioned after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s U-turn on welfare cuts. It will state that the points-based assessment system is “in effect worthless” due to the rising number of conditions, particularly mental health issues, that fluctuate in severity. The review also finds the process dehumanising for disabled people and actively hinders them from seeking work. The interim report is expected this week, with recommendations on a new system due in the autumn. The review received more than 38,000 submissions from the disabled community, the majority reporting negative experiences of the assessment process.
What’s reported
The Timms review will conclude that Pip is “not fit for purpose” and the assessment system must be redrawn.
The points-based system is considered “in effect worthless” because of rising conditions, especially mental health, that fluctuate in severity.
The assessment process is described as dehumanising and a barrier to seeking work.
The review was commissioned after Starmer’s government faced defeat in the Commons over tighter Pip eligibility rules.
The interim review is expected this week; recommendations for a new system will follow in autumn.
About 4 million adults now receive Pip, double the number in 2019.
The review received over 38,000 submissions, with most reporting negative experiences.
The review’s steering committee is not allowed to suggest changes that would increase overall projected welfare spend.
Key figures
Stephen Timms, disability minister and review lead
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Andy Burnham, likely prime minister when second part is published
Louise Haigh, former cabinet minister and adviser to Burnham
Sources: The Guardian
