A first-of-its-kind review of the personal independence payment (PIP) found the benefit is failing claimants, with the system described as unfit for purpose.
The Timms review concluded that PIP, which is claimed by almost four million people in England and Wales, has been affected by ‘deep-rooted problems’ that have damaged confidence in the wider benefits system.
Published on Thursday (9 July), the interim report warned the application process and eligibility assessments could be so distressing that some people abandon employment and social activities.
‘People describe PIP as something that ‘breaks’ them, rather than a support that enables them to live independently and participate in society,’ the report said.
However, the review also made clear that any future reforms would have to be financially sustainable. It said there would not be unlimited funding available, with proposals needing to remain within current official spending projections for PIP.
‘PIP cannot be everything to everybody so as the review looks at the role and purpose of PIP, the steering group will have some challenging discussions,’ the report added.
The final recommendations, expected later this year, will be closely watched by ministers and campaigners. Last year the government was forced to U-turn on a £5bn a year programme of disability benefit cuts as a result of a Labour backbench rebellion.
Disability campaigners and think tanks welcomed the review’s findings, but warned changes must not be driven by the desire to cut costs.
‘The focus should be on reforming PIP so that it reflects how people actually experience disability, rather than on making short-term savings that have motivated the last two attempts at reform,’ Louise Murphy, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, said.
PIP is not means-tested and is not an out-of-work benefit. It is designed to contribute towards the extra costs associated with disability, including spending on food, energy and transport – payments can reach up to £194.60 a week.
The review highlighted PIP spending has increased significantly over the past seven years, but overall benefit spending as a share of national income has remained broadly stable.
Despite PIP claims often being associated with an increase in young adults receiving support for their mental health, the issue was barley raised in the almost 40,000 submissions received for the review.
Produced by the Department for Work and Pensions and a panel of disabled people – co-chaired by the minister for social security and disability, Stephen Timms – the final report will determine whether the government chooses to fundamentally reshape PIP as we know it.
Image: Shutterstock
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