DWP next steps for PIP assessments which will affect millions
The benefit supports people who live with a long-term health condition or disability to help cover their extra costs
The review will look to make sure 'PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future in a changing world', it has been said
(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images )
More details have been revealed by Labour on its plans to reform personal independence payments. The benefit, most commonly known as PIP, supports people who live with a long-term health condition or disability to help cover their extra costs. Claimants often have to go through an assessment with a medical professional to determine their level of need and how much they should get.
A review is being carried out by The UK Government of the assessment process to see how it could be improved, The Mirror reports. Labour MP Tom Hayes asked ministers in a written question in Parliament if this review would look at the areas of "equality" and if they will consult "employment law experts".
DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms provided the following response:
He said: "Through the review, we want to make sure the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future in a changing world and helps support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence.
"The review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders, to ensure that a range of views and voices are heard.
"I have now spoken to a range of stakeholders to gather views on how best to approach the review.
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"Proposed terms of reference have been published.
"I will engage widely over the summer to design the process for the work of the review, including to ensure that expertise from a range of different perspectives is drawn upon."
How much is PIP?
PIP includes daily living element and a mobility element, with a lower and higher rate for each part. You can get one of the parts while not getting any payment for the other.
The lower rate for the daily living part is £73.90 a week while the higher rate is £110.40 a week.
The mobility part is £29.20 a week at the lower rate and £77.05 a week at the higher rate.
This means a person on the higher rate for both parts would get £187.45 a week, or £9,747.40 a year.
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The Government had set out plans to tighten the eligibility criteria for PIP, with the criteria to come in from next year.
But after huge opposition from Labour MPs and others, the Government said it will not bring in any changes to PIP until the review of PIP has been concluded.
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