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An MP has accused the DWP of being “hostile to disabled people” after one of her constituents lost out on all his PIP payments despite his health condition getting worse. MPs debated proposed changes to Universal Credit and PIP (Personal Independence Payment) in the Commons last week, which would come in as part of a bill going through Parliament. They approved the bill which will now be examined by the House of Lords, with the measures including increasing the standard allowance for Universal Credit while reducing the additional amounts you can get if you have a health condition or disability that affects your capability to work.
There were also proposals to tighten the eligibility rules for PIP, but these have been postponed until a review of the PIP system that is currently underway is completed. Labour MP Alison Hume said during the debate on the bill that many disabled people are “terrified” of the Government’s plans to reform the benefits system.
She said: “The DWP is too frequently at war with the people it is supposed to protect. Too frequently, it lets down the most vulnerable in our community, and it mostly gets away with it.”
She warned that DWP decisions can be “completely arbitrary” and that “the culture of the DWP is hostile to disabled people”, sharing one story from a person who lives in her constituency of Scarborough and Whitby. She said they have several complex physical and mental health conditions, including PTSD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, polycystic kidney disease and liver disease.
Ms Hume told Parliament: “In May, after reporting a deterioration in his health, he submitted new evidence to support reassessment for a higher rate of PIP, which led to the DWP removing his award entirely. He was left with no income or support despite his ongoing need for care.”
PIP is designed to help cover the extra costs that a claimant has as they live with a long-term health condition or disability. The benefit includes a daily living part and a mobility part, with lower and upper rates for each part depending on to what extent you are affected by your condition.
The DWP was asked for a comment about the MP’s constituent and why they may have lost out on PIP despite their condition getting worse.
A spokesperson said: “While we were not provided with the details to look into this specific case, we will consider all the available evidence when making decisions and people have the right to challenge them and provide additional information.
“We’re reforming the welfare system so people are genuinely supported into work while putting it on a sustainable footing.
“We are putting disabled people at the heart of a ministerial review of the PIP assessment to make sure it is fit and fair for the future, and we will work with them and key organisations representing them, to consider how best to do this.”
