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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
New DWP PIP plans will include changes for 'light touch' awards
The Minister for Social Security and Disability has given an update The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are reforming the rules for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), including changes to "light touch" awards, which currently are reviewed every ten years. Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, has been vocal about the new Green Paper's vision to "plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP". He added that this would include improving the information DWP provides when issuing an ongoing PIP award, support available to claimants between reviews, and 'reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews'. The Minister's comments came after enquiries from Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome who recently asked about adjustments DWP is considering for "PIP reassessments for claimants suffering from longer-term degenerative conditions". In a written response, Sir Stephen said: "Award reviews are an important feature of Personal Independence Payment to ensure people receive the correct level of benefit, both for those whose needs will increase and those whose needs may decrease." 'People who receive the highest level of PIP and whose needs will not improve, receive a PIP award for a continuous period with a light touch review at the 10-year point. 'In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we outline plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP. 'These include improving the information we provide when we write to people about ongoing PIP award decisions, what support is offered between 'light touch' reviews and reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews.' The planned welfare reforms are due to come into effect in November 2026 for new claimants. Existing claimants would not see any changes until their current award is due for review - the date of this can be found on your award letter. As it stands, DWP figures from January show some 3.7 million people across Great Britain receiving PIP, which now amounts to as much as £749.80 every four weeks after the annual increase this April. Of these, 1.5 million claimants have secured an ongoing PIP award for at least five years due to disabilities or chronic health issues. A significant 58% of PIP recipients with visual impairments are granted up to £749.80 monthly for a duration of five years or more. Over half of the individuals with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) like arthritis, muscle or joint pain have received extended PIP awards, and so have 49.5% of those with neurological issues such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. According to the latest PIP Handbook, the decision maker will determine PIP awards based on how the claimant's health condition or disability affects their everyday life and independence. The handbook notes: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." It's crucial to note that DWP guidance also mentions that most awards will be subject to regular reviews "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support". Some individuals may receive a fixed-term award for up to two years - these are not reviewed by the DWP. These non-reviewable limited term awards are given when it's expected that the claimant's health might reasonably improve. Ongoing awards come with a 'light touch' review process A 'light touch' review is generally granted to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age DWP guidance clarifies: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." The annual increase of 1.7 per cent will see individuals on disability benefits pocket between £29.20 and £187.45 weekly, equating to roughly £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks. Over the fiscal year, those on the highest awards can expect an additional £9,747 in financial aid. The maximum sum of £749.80 is calculated for someone receiving the top award for both daily living and mobility components. Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer People with varying health conditions can be granted PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants as of the end of January 2025: Visual disease Total number 58,685 5 year PIP award 34,692 Percentage 59% Musculoskeletal disease (general) Total number 682,391 5 year PIP award 341,434 Percentage 50.8% Neurological disease Total number 468,113 5 year PIP award 230,412 Percentage 49% Respiratory disease Total number 138,376 5 year PIP award 64,835 Percentage 47% Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) Total number 19,542 5 year PIP award 8,697 Percentage 45% Musculoskeletal disease (regional) Total number 426,038 5 year PIP award 185,916 Percentage 43.6% PIP payment rates You will be paid the following amounts per week (paid every four weeks in arrears) - depending on your award: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Article continues below Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
New DWP plans for people on PIP with ‘light touch' award set to start next year
Planned changes to PIP are scheduled to start in November 2026 for new and existing claimants. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed planned reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will also include changes for people with an ongoing 'light touch' award, which is typically in place for 10 years before the need for a review. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said that the new Green Paper outlines 'plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP'. He added that this would include improving the information DWP provides when issuing an ongoing PIP award, support available to claimants between reviews, and 'reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews'. The DWP Minister's comments came after Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome recently asked what changes the Department is making to 'PIP reassessments for claimants suffering from longer-term degenerative conditions'. In a written response, Sir Stephen said: 'Award reviews are an important feature of Personal Independence Payment to ensure people receive the correct level of benefit, both for those whose needs will increase and those whose needs may decrease. 'People who receive the highest level of PIP and whose needs will not improve, receive a PIP award for a continuous period with a light touch review at the 10-year point. 'In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we outline plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP. 'These include improving the information we provide when we write to people about ongoing PIP award decisions, what support is offered between 'light touch' reviews and reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews.' The planned welfare reforms are due to come into effect in November 2026 for new claimants. Existing claimants would not see any changes until their current award is due for review - the date of this can be found on your award letter. Ongoing PIP awards The latest DWP statistics show that at the end of January some 3.7 million people across Great Britain were in receipt of PIP - now worth up to £749.80 every four weeks following the annual uprating in April. The data also indicates that 1.5m PIP claimants have an ongoing award, of five years or longer, for a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition. More than 58 per cent of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have a monthly award of up to £749.80 for five years or more. More than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5 per cent of people with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. The current edition of the PIP Handbook explains the decision maker will make an award of PIP based on the impact of the claimant's health condition or disability on their daily life and their ability to live independently. It adds: 'The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances.' It's important to be aware the guidance from the DWP also says most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, 'regardless of the length of the award' in order to make sure 'everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support'. Some claimants will be given a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years - DWP says these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve. Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age The DWP guidance states: 'These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.' The annual uprating of 1.7 per cent will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Over the course of the financial year, this will see people on the highest awards receive £9,747 in extra cash help. It's important to be aware the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone in receipt of the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components. Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer It's important to be aware people with different health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or longer. The award is based on how the condition affects the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of January 2025. Visual disease 34,692 Musculoskeletal disease (general) 682,391 341,434 50.8% Neurological disease 468,113 230,412 Respiratory disease 138,376 64,835 Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 19,542 8,697 Musculoskeletal disease (regional) 426,038 185,916 44.6% Total number of PIP claimants 3,694,536 1,501,215 41% PIP payment rates You will be paid the following amounts per week (paid every four weeks in arrears) - depending on your award: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
DWP shares huge update to PIP shake-up impacting 700,000 people
The Labour government announced in March that it was to overhaul the DWP benefit claimed by 3.7million people in a bid to cut down welfare spending. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will not affect 700,000 claimants. The Labour government announced in March that it was to overhaul the DWP benefit claimed by 3.7million people in a bid to cut down welfare spending. The shake-up is set to tighten the eligibility rules for PIP, and cut payments for those claiming the health element for Universal Credit. According to an analysis from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the overhaul plan for PIP would impact around 800,000 claimants. The confirmation came in a written response from the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, in April. Labour MP Paula Barker asked the DWP minister about the potential impact of proposed PIP reforms on state pension-aged claimants. In response, he said the changes would impact "new claims and reward reviews" from next year, and those who are of state pension age were not "routinely reviewed". Which means they will "not be affected by the proposed changes.' Sir Stephen said: 'Our intention is that the new eligibility requirement in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which people must score a minimum of four points in one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component, will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. 'In keeping with existing policy, people of State Pension Age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by the proposed changes.' According to the latest figures from the benefits department, at the end of January 690,186 people aged between 65 and 79 were receiving PIP. However, he noted that the full impacts of the "Pathways to Work Green Paper" would be published in "due course". He added: "A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months.' In a separate written response to Poplar and Limehouse MP Apsana Begum, Sir Stephen also confirmed there will be no changes for people nearing the end of life applying for PIP through the fast-track service. He said: 'We recognise that people nearing the end of their life are some of the most vulnerable people in society and need fast-track and unqualified support at this difficult time. Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. 'People who claim, or are in receipt of, PIP and are nearing the end of their life with 12 months or less to live, will continue to be able to access the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP. 'We will also maintain the existing fast-track route under the Special Rules for End of Life and where claims are currently being cleared in two working days. This fast-track route will not be impacted by the new eligibility requirement for PIP.' PIP is the main disability benefit in the UK, and its aim is to help cover the extra costs of having a disability or medical condition. PIP is not an out of work benefit, and it can be claimed whether you are working or not, and have savings. To have a successful claim for PIP, you normally need to undertake a health assessment. This is used to determine what tasks you are struggling with and how your condition impacts your day-to-day life. This is completed using a points system. You currently need between eight and 11 points to get the standard daily living or mobility part of PIP across all the sections. You get the higher rate if you score 12 points or more. However, under changes, you will need a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living part of PIP from November 2026. This means that claimants will need to show greater difficulty when completing some tasks, such as washing, eating and getting dressed, to be eligible to claim PIP. The DWP has launched an online consultation on the new proposals. The consultation can be completed by anyone and is open until June 30, 2025 - you can find full details on here.
Rhyl Journal
18-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Rachel Reeves faces call from her local Labour party to abandon welfare cuts
The Leeds West and Pudsey Constituency Labour Party (CLP), which campaigned to return Ms Reeves to Parliament in the general election as its local MP, has agreed to write to her 'as soon as possible' to make clear it does not support the cuts. The local party branch passed a motion opposing the cuts, seen by the PA news agency, when it met this week. The Government's plans, set out in a Green Paper earlier this year, would tighten the eligibility criteria for the main disability benefit in England, the personal independence payment (Pip). Restricting Pip would cut benefits for around 800,000 people, while the sickness-related element of universal credit also set to be cut. The package of measures are aimed at reducing the number of working-age people on sickness benefits, which grew during the pandemic and has remained high since. The Government hopes the proposals can save £5 billion a year by the end of the decade. In its motion opposing the plans, the Leeds West and Pudsey CLP said disabled people 'are not responsible for the state of the national finances and should not be made to pay the price for Tory economic mismanagement'. The CLP also acknowledged welfare reform is important, but urged the Government to 'focus on reducing the taper' – the rate at which benefits fall off once someone has found work. The local Labour group resolved to write to both Chancellor Ms Reeves and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to 'articulate our proposed cuts to disability benefits – whether by reducing rates, implementing higher thresholds, poor quality assessments or increased conditionality – as soon as possible'. Opposition on Ms Reeves's patch comes as the Government appears at risk of a major rebellion from its backbenchers over the plans. Some 100 Labour MPs – more than a quarter of the party's parliamentary numbers – are reported to have signed a letter urging ministers to scale back welfare cuts under consideration, according to media reports. The private letter to Labour's chief whip is separate from a similar one last week, in which 42 MPs said the cuts were 'impossible to support'. Speaking during a recent Westminster Hall debate, Ian Byrne, the Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby, said he was willing to 'swim through vomit' to vote against the cuts. Others including Richard Burgon (Leeds East), Rachael Maskell (York Central), and Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East) also confirmed they would vote against the plans when they spoke during the debate. Ellen Clifford, from Disabled People Against Cuts, said the campaign group supports the Leeds West and Pudsey CLP's move. She added: 'We hope that the Chancellor takes note of the contents. The scale of the proposed cuts is horrific and will destroy communities, break public services through additional pressures and could well negatively impact the economy. 'They are cruel, badly thought through and entirely performative. Voters will not forget or forgive politicians who back these cuts.' The Chancellor's team, approached for comment, pointed to her previous messages to Labour MPs on the welfare cut proposals. When asked last week what her message to concerned Labour backbenchers was, Ms Reeves said: 'I don't think anybody, including Labour MPs and members, think that the current welfare system created by the Conservative Party is working today. 'They know that the system needs reform. We do need to reform how the welfare system works if we're going to grow our economy.'
New European
17-05-2025
- Business
- New European
The government must seize this EU opportunity
It's time to face facts. If Britain is serious about economic growth, the answer lies not in a prayer to the bond market, but in a strategic reset with our largest trading partner. On 19 May, Keir Starmer will meet Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, in what could prove to be the most consequential UK-EU summit since Brexit. But while the diplomatic murmurs might be warmer, the policy agenda remains perilously thin. Perhaps for understandable reasons, ministers published no roadmap, no Green Paper, no clear statement of intent. And that's left Britain and Brussels in the dark. That's a missed opportunity – because the economic and geopolitical case for a new UK-EU pact is overwhelming. Start with growth. The government has pledged to deliver the highest sustained growth in the G7. Business investment remains weak. Productivity lags. Crucially, we're held back by poor goods exports. Since 2019, the UK's goods exports have risen by a tiny 0.3% a year, compared to an OECD average of 4.2%. Given that 41% of our goods exports still go to the EU – more than to the US, India and the entire Indo-Pacific region combined – I think we know where to look for improvement. Nobody is proposing a return to the Single Market. The red lines are clear. But there is a broad and pragmatic policy space between rupture and reintegration. That would involve cutting customs friction, streamlining border processes, advancing regulatory cooperation, and striking a long-overdue veterinary deal. These are not ideological matters. They are matters of economic necessity. To help focus minds, the business and trade committee published a draft report last month setting out twenty recommendations on how to reset UK-EU relations. This week we publish the results of our consultation with more than 70 respondents, including businesses, industry bodies, and civic organisations. The results are striking. They show 95% support for measures to reduce border bureaucracy and more than 90% support for closer defence and infrastructure coordination. And in areas like digital regulation, financial services and research collaboration, up to 96% of respondents agreed that the UK should deepen its cooperation with the EU. Even on the sensitive subject of regulation, the support for practical alignment was striking. More than four in five respondents endorsed the idea of a ten-year regulatory roadmap for key sectors, to maximise alignment with the EU. That would allow firms to plan, invest, and compete with clarity. Consider the cost of inaction. The absence of a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, for example, has left agri-food exporters mired in red tape. Aston University estimates that such an SPS deal could boost exports of food and plants by over 22%. But this isn't just about trade. The world has changed since 2020. Russia's war in Ukraine, the weaponisation of supply chains by China, and the return of tariff-heavy protectionism in the United States all underscore one thing: Britain needs strategic depth. That means pressing for a formal UK-EU Security and Defence Pact, opening the door to the EU's proposed €150bn SAFE defence fund. It means closer cooperation on critical infrastructure, including on offshore wind, subsea cables, and energy interconnectors. And it means ending the inefficiencies that have plagued our electricity market since we left the EU's trading platform – an exit that National Grid estimates is costing British consumers up to €350m a year. The time for timidity is over. The Brussels dividend is real. It won't be delivered by slogans or sentiment, but by serious policymaking rooted in shared interest and mutual benefit. This month's summit offers a rare chance to re-anchor Britain's economic and security strategy where it belongs: in hard-headed, clear-eyed cooperation with our European neighbours. The government should seize it.
