DWP changes to PIP 'devastating' and leave benefit claimants 'living in fear'

DWP's uncertainty over the future of PIP has left benefits claimants in fear.

The Department for Work and Pensions has come under fire over proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) under the new Labour Party government. The DWP's uncertainty over the future of PIP has left benefits claimants in fear.

Speaking to the Big Issue, Yolanda Barker, a 52-year-old woman from Kent, who relies on PIP and is deeply concerned about the proposals, had her say. It comes amid reports PIP cash payments could be replaced by a one-off grant, voucher or catalogue system.

Ms Barker, a 52-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis (MS), said: “It’s the unknown. We’re left in limbo again. What’s going to happen to me in the future? Is my condition bad enough according to them? They’re not living it day to day. These changes will impact lives, and it’s deeply unsettling. There will be a ripple effect.”

READ MORE Drivers risk £5k fine and 'police action' if they ventured out on road yesterday

David Southgate, policy manager at disability equality charity Scope, said: “When the last government proposed damaging reforms to PIP, we were inundated with calls from disabled people terrified of what it meant for them. Almost six months later they are still waiting for answers. Disabled people are still waiting to hear the government’s plans for PIP. We know that this wait is causing anxiety and confusion for many.”

Ceri Smith, head of policy at the MS Society, said: “Living with MS can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable – and comes with numerous hidden costs. If these proposals were taken forward they would force many disabled people to cut back on essentials they need to help manage their conditions, causing further harm to their health, and risk pushing people into debt.”

Mr Southgate said: “Disabled people want to see a new positive vision for PIP. The new government needs to urgently ditch its predecessor’s plans and set out its own proposals. Life costs more if you are disabled. Any plans to make PIP harder to access would be entirely counter-productive for the government and devastating for disabled people.

“It would lead to disabled people becoming more isolated and risk worsening their conditions. This will likely create more pressure on the NHS and public services, and make it harder for disabled people to get into and stay in work.”