PIP could be replaced by alternative means of support (Image: Getty)
Concerns have been raised that proposals to replace (Personal Independence Payment) with alternatives such as a voucher scheme could undermine claimants’ independence and dignity.
were set out in June this year under the previous Conservative Government suggesting “other ways of supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions apart from providing regular cash payments”.
Several options were put forward for consultation including providing vouchers to “contribute towards specific costs” such as for equipment, aids and for other services.
The new Labour Government said previously it would not respond to the consultation, but MPs who oppose changing PIP are concerned that ministers have not formally ruled out the policy.
An early day motion has been set up, currently signed by 17 MPs, voicing concerns that switching to a voucher system would “significantly reduce the autonomy of disabled claimants”.
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The motion, which could be debated in Parliament, calls on the Government to acknowledge that “replacing cash with vouchers would undermine the independence of disabled people and could not adequately meet their diverse needs”.
The MPs are also urging ministers to engage with disabled people and their families to ensure changes to the benefits system properly address their needs “without undermining their rights to autonomy and dignity”.
At the time of writing, the motion has been backed by 15 Liberal Democrat MPs, with other support from MPs from the Democratic Unionist Party, the Green Party and the . You can read it in full .
Other alternatives to PIP payments put forward by the Conservatives included a catalogue/shop scheme, with an approved list of discounted items.
There were also suggestions of a receipt-based system, with claimants providing proof of purchase to claim back their costs and one-off grants for specific expensive costs such as home adaptations, with the claimant required to provide medical evidence to show they needed the equipment.
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Replying to a question in Parliament about the previous consultation, Labour 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.”
PIP provides payments for people who live with a long-term health condition or disability, including a daily living part and a mobility part. There is a higher and lower payment depending on your level of need.
These are the current weekly payment rates:
Mobility
- Lower – £28.70
- Higher – £75.75
Daily living
- Lower – £72.65
- Higher – £108.55
The benefit is paid in four-weekly instalments, so if you are on the highest amount, you would get £737.20 each pay period.
The has been contacted for comment.