News

MPs listened to the views of members of the public about the government’​s proposals to replace DLA with personal independence payment (PIP) in Port Talbot on 22 November 2011. See related article published on 16 November 2011.

Not surprisingly many concerns were expressed at the meeting about the proposals. Many felt the current system works well and that the replacement of DLA by PIP was simply a move by the government to save money. The fact that only a small number of DLA claims have been found to be fraudulent was highlighted and it was put to the Committee of MPs that changing a benefit would not prevent the minority of fraudulent claims. It was argued that PIP would not result in maintaining the independence of disabled people, and would not therefore meet the government’​s alleged objectives for changing the benefit. Concerns were also raised about the impact of the changes on other benefits.

Bob Chapman has provided a detailed account of the meeting.