The DWP are attempting to scupper a judicial review of the criteria for the mobility component of personal independence payment (PIP) by announcing a new consultation to be launched before the end of the month.
A judicial review of the failure of the DWP to properly consult before reducing the qualifying distance for PIP mobility to 20 metres has already begun. However, the DWP have now written to the solicitors of the claimants involved in the case asking them to stay the case whilst the consultation is carried out.
According the the DWP’s press release:
“The assessment was designed to target support on those who need it most – those individuals who face the greatest barriers to participating in society. However, we have listened to disabled people and their organisations who wanted a further consultation, so that is what we are doing.”
However, according to one of the claimants involved in the case:
“The DWP would very much like you to believe that it is holding this new consultation because it is a kind and listening department and their announcement does not mention the court proceedings at all.
“However the emails sent out to my solicitor and to members of the stakeholder consultation forum had a subject line of “Re: Judicial Review” so make of that what you will.”
We’ll publish details of how to take part in the consultation once they are available.{jcomments on}
