The Government's announcement of plans to reform Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Work Capability Assessments (WCA) has caused 'fear, panic and anxiety' among many disabled people and those with long-term conditions, MPs have heard. Charities reported a spike in helpline calls after the announcement, with some callers feeling suicidal due to fears of losing support or having 'literally no hope' for future assistance.
The Prime Minister announced last month that he wanted to overhaul the benefits system for disabled people to make it 'sustainable and fit for the future', citing a major increase in people signed off work, often for poor mental health. The proposed changes include a consultation on PIP reform, changes to WCA, and a new WorkWell pilot programme to support people back into work. However, campaigners fear the system could unfairly penalise those with long-term conditions, forcing some back into work prematurely.
Ruth Wakeman, director of services, policy and research at Crohn's and Colitis UK, told the work and pensions committee that 'talk of sanctions has been hugely damaging'. She said assessors often do not understand conditions like Crohn's and Colitis, judging claimants based on subjective views. Becca Stacey, senior research officer at the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said the proposed changes would make it 'increasingly harder for people with mental health problems to get the extra support they need'. She noted a 'big mental health knowledge gap' in the DWP, with over 20,000 work coaches lacking recent mental health training as of February.
Ms Stacey also expressed concern about changes to the Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) regulations, which she described as a 'vital protection' for claimants unable to work due to health problems. She warned that the WCA routinely fail to capture mental health issues, creating a more insecure financial base for claimants. MPs also heard that none of the charities on the panel, including the MS Society and ME Association, had been consulted by the DWP about the new WorkWell scheme, due to roll out later this year.
