David Cameron revealed yesterday that planned cuts to personal independence payment (PIP) will not go ahead ‘in their current form’.{jcomments on}
The government had announced plans to cut the number of PIP points available for people who need to use aids or appliances in connection with going to the toilet or dressing and undressing.
The plans caused outrage and a backlash from Conservative backbench MPs and were claimed by IDS as the main reason for his resignation yesterday.
However, in his reply to IDS’ resignation letter, the prime minister writes that he is ‘puzzled and disappointed’ because IDS agreed to the cuts originally and was aware that they had subsequently been shelved.
Cameron wrote:
“That is why we collectively agreed – you, No 10 and the Treasury – proposals which you and your department then announced a week ago. Today we agreed not to proceed with the policies in their current form and instead to work together to get these policies right over the coming months.”
The news that the cuts have been shelved will be welcomed by millions of claimants. The revelation that work will continue to come up with new ways to cut PIP will not.
