Urgent warning issued over DWP's 'dangerous' plan to scrap PIP cash payments

The Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) proposal to replace cash payments with vouchers, a receipt-based system, or grants for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has been met with fierce criticism. Campaigners are urging the DWP to dismiss the "unworkable" plan, which has been branded "utterly ridiculous" and a "dangerous idea" by a leading disability charity.

Labour MP Liz Kendall, addressing the work and pensions committee, acknowledged the concerns about the voucher system's impact on claimants' autonomy, especially when services are already under pressure. "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," she remarked.

Ms Kendall also mentioned that Labour would propose reforms to sickness and disability benefits but would not provide further details until they have engaged in thorough discussions. David Southgate of Scope expressed to Yahoo News his opposition to the voucher scheme: "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."

Linda Burnip, a spokesperson for Disabled People Against Cuts, criticised the current system, telling Yahoo News: "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."

She went on to describe the system as "unworkable". In response, a DWP spokesperson stated: "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," reports Birmingham Live.