The UK government has launched a consultation aimed at reshaping disability benefits, inviting input from persons with disabilities and those with long-term health conditions. The initiative focuses on reforming the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a key financial support system.
The Review is examining whether PIP – which supports nearly four million people in England and Wales with the extra costs of disability – better reflects how people’s conditions impact them in the modern world.
The Call for Evidence – which runs until 28 May – is the first step in a wider, accessible programme of engagement, shaped by the Review’s steering group. This will ensure as many disabled people as possible contribute to it, including young people.
It is built around the four themes the steering group have identified, with evidence sought on topics including, but not limited to:
- How effectively PIP is delivering on its intended purpose
- Whether the PIP assessment provides fair access to the right support
- Whether the experience of claiming PIP varies for different groups
- How the changes in the workplace and wider society since 2013 have impacted PIP
Anyone can respond and those with lived or learned experience of PIP, including disabled people, the organisations that represent them, carers, clinicians, experts, MPs, and other elected officials across the UK, are particularly encouraged to do so.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability and co-chair of the Review, said: “As we progress with our Review of PIP, it is vital that as many people as possible have the chance to contribute. I encourage anyone with experience of the PIP system, including young people, or with relevant expertise, to submit their views.”
