'Concerning' PIP update over DWP scrapping cash payments for vouchers

A "concerning" update has been issued over the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) potentially scrapping Personal Independence Payment cash payments. A motion from MPs has expressed "concern" over PIP payments being scrapped in favour of a voucher, catalogue or receipt based system.

It comes after the Conservative Party launched a green paper exploring PIP changes earlier this year. The motion - backed by 17 MPs - expresses: "That this House expresses its concern regarding the Minister for Work and Pensions' refusal to rule out proposals to replace Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with a voucher system."

It "notes that this proposal, originally put forward by the previous Conservative Government, would significantly reduce the autonomy of disabled claimants" and "recognises the substantial concern raised by disabled people, who rely on regular PIP payments to cover essential living costs, including mobility aids, equipment, therapy, and everyday necessities".

READ MORE Drivers who don't press three dashboard buttons in specific order face £2,500 fine

The motion "further acknowledges that replacing cash with vouchers would undermine the independence of disabled people and could not adequately meet their diverse needs" and "calls on the Government to immediately reject the idea of replacing PIP payments with vouchers and grants".

The motion is aimed at "ensuring that disabled individuals retain control over their finances; and urges the Government to engage meaningfully with disabled people, their families, and relevant advocacy organisations to guarantee that reforms to the benefits system truly address the needs of those with disabilities without undermining their rights to autonomy and dignity."

It comes after Labour Party minister Sir Stephen Timms said: "We do not intend to publish a response to the previous Government’s consultation. We will be considering our own plans for social security in due course and will fulfil our continued commitment to work with disabled people so that their views and voices are at the heart of all that we do."