Government gives update on Pip review as claimants reach record high

"Disabled people have been urged to share their views on the future of the Personal Independence Payment (Pip), Britain's most-claimed health and disability benefit, as the review into the payment continues. Chaired by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms, the review was announced last year after elements of the Government's flagship welfare Bill which proposed to restrict eligibility to Pip were scrapped in the summer in the face of a major Commons rebellion."

"Any changes to Pip have been postponed until after the review takes place, ministers have promised. The benefit is designed to help with extra costs incurred by living with an illness or disability. The findings are anticipated to be presented to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden by autumn, with an interim update expected before then."

"Charities have previously voiced concerns, cautioning that the review cannot become about making cuts, and urging Sir Stephen to ensure disabled people's views are meaningfully taken on board."

The UK government is conducting a comprehensive review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the nation's most-claimed health and disability benefit. Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms chairs the review, which was announced following the government's withdrawal of proposed eligibility restrictions from its welfare bill after significant parliamentary opposition. The review aims to gather input from disabled people about PIP's future direction. Ministers have committed to postponing any changes to PIP until after the review concludes. An interim update is expected before the final findings are presented to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden by autumn. Disability charities have emphasized that the review must not become a vehicle for benefit cuts and that disabled people's perspectives must be genuinely considered in decision-making.

Read at www.independent.co.uk