Chancellor John Healey has confirmed that the final report of the Government's review into Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be published next month, with a white paper and legislation to follow next year.
In his Budget speech to Parliament, Healey said the review "will publish their final report next month [November]". He added: "This Government will then set out our response before the end of the year with a white paper and legislation to follow next year."
Review Background
The review is co-chaired by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms and is examining what changes are needed to make the benefit fair and fit for the future. PIP provides payments of varying rates to help cover the extra costs associated with living with a long-term health condition or disability.
Payments are made up of a daily living element and a mobility element, with a lower and higher rate for each part. Claimants can receive between £30.30 and £194.60 a week through the scheme.
Concerns Over Assessments
An interim report for the Timms review said people had described the assessment process as "dehumanising" and "degrading". Adam Rolfe, policy and public affairs officer at financial support group Money Wellness, called for changes to the assessment process.
Rolfe said: "Assessments must reflect how conditions affect people in real life, including the impact of mental health conditions and symptoms that fluctuate from day to day.
"People should also be able to understand and challenge the evidence used to make decisions about them. Too much currently depends on how well someone can explain their difficulties in a form or assessment.
"Many people have become accustomed to playing down their struggles and simply getting on with things. The system needs to recognise the reality of people's lives, rather than penalise those who find it hardest to communicate their needs."
Current PIP Rates
The current weekly PIP payment rates are: daily living part lower £76.70, higher £114.60; mobility part lower £30.30, higher £80.
Rolfe also said getting decisions right first time should be the priority, noting that people often have to challenge decisions through mandatory reconsideration or appeal, which can mean "months of stress and financial uncertainty".
