The Government could be about to make huge changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in a bid to make huge savings on benefits costs. Labour wants to reform DWP welfare and PIP is e a major target for an overhaul, it has been reported.
Ministers have already confirmed their intention to reform the benefits system, stating the cost to the nation is too high. It comes as the Government may have to find further spending cuts amid economic turbulence.
PIP is worth up to £184 a week and paid to millions of people who require help getting around or completing daily tasks around the home. There has been a big increase in claims for the disability benefit over recent years, adding to the Government’s financial burden.
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New payments for anxiety or depressive disorders more than doubled from 2,200 in 2019 to 5,300 in 2023, the Telegraph reports. Stricter rules over eligibility may be introduced in a bid to control the number of claims.
As part of the shake-up, options being considered include being more specific about qualifying mental health conditions and requiring enhanced medical evidence before approving claims, GB News reports. Current economic pressures may accelerate the need for the Government to identify areas to cut spending.
Another reform reported to be being considered would require claimants to provide more extensive medical evidence before their claims are approved. While Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has already ruled out switching to a voucher system, other alternatives remain under consideration.
The DWP reiterated it intended to reform the welfare system to cut costs for taxpayers. A spokesman told GB News: “We don’t comment on speculation. We have been clear that the current benefits system needs reform so it is fairer on the taxpayer and people get the support they need to move into work.”