DWP Releases Update on Plans to Swap PIP Cash Payments for Vouchers

According to the DWP, proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) outlined in a recent consultation have received “mixed” feedback, with some responses described as “consistently negative.”

Rising PIP Claims Spark Questions on Government Plans for Welfare Reform

PIP claims are now at an all-time high, with over 3.6 million people across Great Britain receiving up to £737.20 in monthly financial support, reports Daily Record.

SNP's Chris Law asked the DWP whether the UK government plans to implement proposals from the 'Modernising Assistance for Independent Living: The Health and Disability Green Paper,' introduced by the previous Conservative administration in April. The consultation suggested welfare reforms, including replacing PIP cash payments with options like vouchers, one-time awards, a receipt-based system, or choosing support items from a catalogue.

Other recommendations involve changing the requirements to qualify for PIP, revisiting the assessment process, and shifting PIP costs to the NHS and local councils.

Minister Highlights Public Response to PIP Reform Proposals Amid Consultation Findings

Earlier this week, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms, revealed in a written response to Dundee Central MP Chris Law that over 16,000 responses were received during the 12-week consultation period, which ended on July 22.

He went on to say: “This demonstrates the depth of feeling about the previous Government’s proposals. I thank the British public, as well as the numerous charities and organisations who responded on behalf of their members, for the time and effort taken to share their thoughts and views.

“Whilst engaging with responses, I can confirm that responses to the set of proposals on the reform of Personal Independence Payments was mixed and for some proposals consistently negative.”

Mr Timms also mentioned that they will outline their own plans for social security in due course and reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to collaborating with disabled people, ensuring that their views and voices remain central to their work.

Parliament is currently in recess until Monday, October 7, because of party conference season. However, that date is also when the next DWP oral questions session is scheduled in the House of Lords. This will mark the first time the new ministerial team, led by Liz Kendall, faces questions from the opposition, potentially offering millions of PIP claimants an update on the proposals outlined in the Green Paper.