Major update over DWP's 'dangerous' plan to scrap PIP cash payments for vouchers

The "unworkable" Personal Independence Payment plan from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to scrap cash payments for vouchers, a receipt-based system or grants, has been slammed. It must be ruled out, campaigners have warned the DWP.

The plan has been called "utterly ridiculous" and a "dangerous idea" by one leading disability charity. Speaking to the work and pensions committee this week, Labour Party MP Liz Kendall said she understood the vouchers were "a real concern" for people claiming PIP. But she said she would not provide any more detail until she has had "proper discussions with people".

“I was very struck particularly by the comments people made around shifting support to vouchers and where many organisations said their real concern was that it took away people’s autonomy and particularly when services are so stretched and tight,” Kendall said.

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“I will be putting forward our own proposals to reform sickness and disability benefits. This is extremely difficult and I know people really want more detail, but we won’t do that until we’re absolutely ready and have had the proper discussions with people.”

David Southgate, from disability equality charity Scope, told Yahoo News: “Changing PIP to vouchers is a dangerous idea which needs to be ruled out once and for all. Life costs a lot more when you’re disabled, and PIP is a vital source of financial support.

"It is flawed and does urgently need overhauling, but the government must work with disabled people to make PIP work better for those who rely on it.” Linda Burnip, a spokesperson for Disabled People Against Cuts told Yahoo News it was "unworkable".

A DWP spokesperson said: “We are committed to championing the rights of disabled people so their views and voices are at the heart of all we do. We are now considering the responses to the consultation.”