Will the new Personal Independence Payments (PIP) support society's most vulnerable?

Esther McVey, Minister for Disabled People

Jane Young, from campaign group We Are Spartacus

YES

MP Esther McVey, the Minister for Disabled People, believes the Bill containing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments amongst wider benefit reforms will prove important to adults with a disability.

The minister comments: “I know that disabled people and their representatives feel strongly that this important concept is set out in law and I am happy to do this.

“Our intention has always been the same – we want to target support at those who need it most. We have always said that we will not just look at whether individuals can carry out activities but also the manner in which they do so.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith believes the reforms to mark a historical achievement for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, commenting:

“I'm delighted this Bill, that will fundamentally change people’s lives, has received Royal Assent – this is an historic moment for the Coalition Government and for my department.

“This Bill reforms virtually every part of our welfare system and I look forward to implementing the changes our country badly needs.

“The Universal Credit will mean that work will pay for the first time, helping to lift people out of worklessness and the endless cycle of benefits. Whilst those people who need our help and support will know they will get it without question.”

NO

Jane Young, of campaign group We Are Spartacus, judges the PIP system as unfair to the lives of disabled adults.

In her ‘Emergency Stop’ report she writes: ‘1.8 million people of working age in the UK currently receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), a non-means tested benefit which helps individuals meet the extra costs, including mobility costs, which come with disability, regardless of employment status. The Welfare Reform Act 2012 provides for the Government to cut spending on the benefit by 20 per cent by replacing DLA with PIP (Personal Independence Payment).

‘Once PIP has been fully implemented, in 2018, up to 428,000 fewer people will qualify for the enhanced mobility element which provides eligibility to lease cars using the Motability scheme. This will have profound social and economic effects.

‘Our report outlines how the eligibility criteria for PIP’s enhanced mobility element will mean many hard working disabled people will no longer be able to work and almost all those affected will struggle to attend medical appointments, go shopping, parent their children, support their families and take part in daily life.’

In conclusion the report states that: ‘In addition to purely economic losses, the withdrawal of lease cars from a large number of disabled people with severe walking difficulties is likely to result in reduced participation in paid work as well as reduced independence and life chances; this will also have an economic impact.’