Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has announced the beginning of a major overhaul of the disability benefit assessment process, including scrapping the work capability assessment and reforming the Personal Independence Payment (Pip) application. The changes aim to create a single assessment process, with significant consultation with disabled people and campaign groups.
The announcement comes amid criticism from 42 Labour MPs who signed a letter calling for a pause on welfare changes, warning they could push thousands into poverty. Kendall defended the reforms as necessary to address the rising welfare bill and encourage disabled people into work, while ensuring fairness for those who need support.
MPs including Neil Duncan-Jordan and Polly Billington raised concerns about the impact on constituents, particularly young people. Kendall responded by emphasising the government's commitment to consulting disabled people and organisations, and to protecting those who cannot work from repeated reassessments.
The Department for Work and Pensions cited increasing reports of mental health and neurodiverse conditions among younger adults as a key reason for the review. The green paper published in March acknowledged that assessment experiences were 'not always positive'.
