PIP assessment could be completed by Autumn next year with new reform plans in place. A review is due for the mobility part of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the review will be carried out, along with an analysis of the daily living element.
This will be part of the government welfare reforms. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms will co-produce the review with disabled groups and charities.
PIP claimants awarded the higher rate of the PIP mobility component can transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme.
During DWP questions in Parliament on Monday, Conservative MP Danny Kruger “implored” the UK Government to “consider the benefits to which PIP is a gateway, such as Motability, disability premiums, Council Tax discounts and Blue Badges” and urged Sir Stephen to “promise at least that those entitlements could come down”.
The East Wiltshire MP told the Commons: “I am sorry to hear that there are still no plans to reduce spending on Personal Independence Payments.
“He [Sir Stephen Timms] has said that he is collaborating with people who would not be working with him on his review if there were to be any reductions in the levels of benefit or eligibility.
“Given that veto on cuts to PIP, I implore him again to consider the benefits to which PIP is a gateway, such as Motability, disability premiums, council tax discounts and blue badges.
“Will he promise at least that those entitlements could come down?”
Sir Stephen responded: “We have made it clear that we will co-produce our review of the PIP assessment with disabled people and representatives of disability organisations.
“The review will cover the assessment for the mobility component, which leads on to the Motability scheme, and other entitlements to which PIP is a gateway.”
The latest figures from Motability Operations – company behind the life-changing Motability Scheme – show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 living in Scotland, reports Daily Record.
There are currently over 3.2 million Blue Badge permit holders across the UK, including over 235,700 in Scotland.
PIP can help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with the extra financial costs for more than 500 health issues or disabling conditions, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these.
The latest figures from the DWP show more than 3.7 million people across Great Britain were receiving PIP at the end of April.
A successful claim for PIP is now worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs.
Benefits which could be accessed with a PIP award
While you may not qualify for any or all of these benefits, it’s worthwhile checking to make sure you are not missing out on additional support.
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Access to Work
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Carer’s Allowance / Carer Support Payment
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Carer’s Credit
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Christmas Bonus
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Council Tax Reduction
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Employment and Support Allowance – only if you get the PIP daily living component
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Housing Benefit
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Income Support
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Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Pension Credit – only if you get the PIP daily living component
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Universal Credit
