The consultation on plans to replace personal independence payment (PIP) with vouchers or a catalogue ends on 22 July, with Labour so far showing no signs of disowning the proposals.  Benefits and Work is urging readers to have their say before it is too late.

As most readers will be aware, the Conservatives published a Green Paper on the future of PIP in April 2024.  Amongst the proposals were suggestions that instead of regular cash payments, PIP could be replaced with:

  • A catalogue/shop scheme
  • A voucher scheme
  • A receipt based system
  • One-off grants

Labour failed to condemn these proposals in the run-up to the general election and have continued to remain silent since gaining power, even though there is now no risk of them losing votes by speaking out.

According to the Mirror:

“Labour insiders have hinted they'll review the public's response to these proposals after the consultation wraps up on July 22, which falls three weeks post-election.”

Labour have also said nothing about planned changes to the work capability assessment (WCA) from 2025, that would lead to an estimated 424,000 claimants losing over £400 a month.

Ten leading charities, including:

  • Child Poverty Action Group
  • Disability Rights UK
  • Joseph Rowntree Foundation
  • Mind
  • Save the Children

have written to Liz Kendall, secretary of state for work and pensions.  They have asked her to halt the proposed changes to the WCA and to PIP and replace them with plans that are “redesigned with disabled people at the centre.”

So far, there has been no response.

You can find out more about the changes to PIP and how to take part in the consultation here.

UPDATE 11 July

Liz Kendall made a speech in Leeds today in which she said that rising levels of economic inactivity are unacceptable and that immediate action must be taken.  She highlighted the fact that a record 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness. 

Kendall said that the government would: ".... create more good jobs, make work pay, transform skills, and overhaul jobcentres, alongside action to tackle the root causes of worklessness including poor physical and mental health."

Kendall made no reference to PIP or work capability assessment changes and did not address the issue of the speeded-up timetable for forced migration to universal credit.

More details here.

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  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Thanks B&W for this timely reminder.  Just to say that we can contribute to this consultation process via email too.  The green paper includes the following email address for feedback.

    consultation.modernisingsupport@dwp.gov.uk

    I sent the following email which I posted in another section on this forum.  Other people have also done this and have given their examples.  If anyone is interested in using any of it they are welcome to.  

    Dear Sir/Madam

    I am writing to express deep concerns about the recent proposal to reduce or alter Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefits, including the suggestion of issuing vouchers for essential disability aids and services.

    As a recipient of PIP benefits and an individual facing long term disabilities, I find it necessary to share the significant repercussions this proposal could have on individuals like myself and the broader disabled community.

    In the spirit of clarity and effective communication, I will address this letter in three parts. First, providing feedback on the challenging consultation process; second, sharing thoughts on the proposed suggestions; and finally, considering the legal liabilities and potential group litigation implications.

    1. Feedback regarding the consultation process:

    The current consultation process, as detailed in the green paper, has presented significant hurdles for individuals such as myself with disabilities. Engaging with the online questionnaire proved to be too daunting, with a lack of essential accommodations such as a 'save and edit' button and misaligned page numbers complicating participation. The distressing and complicated nature of the process compounded the physical pain experienced.

    The timing of this green paper consultation (coinciding with electioneering) combined with its complexity has not inspired confidence in the disabled community to participate in the process.

    Years of dehumanizing treatment from repeated Work Capability Assessments have severely eroded my confidence in government and health consultation processes. The adversarial nature of past WCA assessments has fostered deep skepticism concerning the fairness of government initiatives, making engagement almost impossible. I'm writing this email (which has taken me weeks to put together saving and editing where needed) in the hopes that it will contribute to the process.

    2. Feedback on the proposed suggestions to replace PIP payments:

    Many of us have relied on basic disability benefits for years, striving not to burden the state unnecessarily by only claiming the basic ESA support group benefit, for instance. Facing the potential removal of the recently awarded PIP benefits in older life after years of navigating basic disability benefit poverty is unimaginably distressing. Countless older individuals in similar situations have managed with minimal state support, only to be confronted with the threat now of this potential loss of PIP. Many have needed it throughout their lives.

    I rely on PIP for crucial needs such as cleaning, therapies, dietary requirements, transportation, and specialized equipment. Disrupting this individually tailored essential assistance could have profound consequences on our well-being. Impacting delicate health equilibrium in this way to this sector of society will have severe knock-on effects to NHS and local care services, etc.

    3. Legal Liabilities and Considerations:

    During this new consultation, any government must surely take its existing legal liabilities seriously regarding the damage endured over years from the Work Capability Assessments. Government should consider the potential for group litigation with regards to this. Ignoring of the serious damage from the WCA assessment system whilst continuing to erode disabled people's lives and equilibrium with these latest proposals must surely point to short-term thinking not taking into account longer-term consequences of pushing us to the brink of litigation on-mass.

    While it is understandable that adjustments may be necessary due to the increasing burden of the disability benefit bill, it is crucial to acknowledge the lasting impact on individuals who have endured the effects of a system deemed traumatizing by the World Health Organization.

    As we contemplate potential changes, it is essential to handle any reforms with care, recognizing that future recipients may have different expectations compared to longer-term recipients who could be significantly destabilized by significant alterations.

    Thank you for considering these critical matters and acknowledging the perspectives of those directly impacted by these proposed changes. I hope that my concerns, alongside those of many others in the disabled community, will be given due consideration in decision-making regarding the future of PIP disability benefits.


    Sincerely 


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      · 3 months ago
      @CaroA Well said my hubbys staying another year in work to help with the bills when really he should be retiring , if the pip turns into vouchers for me who is on pip where will the money come from I have been given 10 years for my pip it’s in black and white can they stop it? Is there a law that allows it to carry on  medical documents where given to the DWP too. It’s hard and upsetting going through assessments and all the paperwork stress high no sleep in more pain , do the government think it’s easy money to get if so they are living in la la land . How many disabled people out there are going through the stress, sleepless nights thing again all because silence is golden for the government 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    I'm worried sick about all this. 

    I have multiple auto immune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease and severe endometriosis.  
    The stress this 'green paper' has added to my everyday life in the past couple of months has only worsened many of my  daily symptoms and issues !

    I've always worked , until it became impossible for me to carry on working, and I'm sick to death of having to 'jump through hurdles' and 'navigate' this 'system' that penalises me for being sick and disabled!!!!! 

    Compared to other  countries we are given a 'pittance' and have to fight 'tooth and nail' for the 'breadcrumbs' we are given. 

    I voted Labour this election to get the tories out, in desperation and hope that they wouldn't be as cruel ......what's next for us ? The 'WORKHOUSE' ? At this rate I wouldn't be surprised. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @Roseno Feel the same,think most if not all of us on here and beyond are really frightened. I just hope someone listens to our plight.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Stupid idea

    How would you pay taxis and bus fairs with vouchers

    Also epilepsy and personality disorders aren't a quick fix with things like this

    My pip goes towards art equipment and similar types of things that focus my mind, as I was in art therapy and my therapist (one of many over 35years) suggested I have alot more sessions only to be discarded by the group that was meant to look after me because they kept cancelling appointments during COVID and said you've been discharged because we ain't seen you

    I don't trust easily and being discarded again by this system sets me back every time

    This system can't work, we all have different needs and they can't cater to all of them with any of the systems they aim to put in place
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @Snake
      These are very good points.

      For transport costs (buses and trains depending on area), depending on the type of PIP they get, they have automatic eligibility to a free travel concession, but those who are not entitled have to go through the long process with the local council, which will require help from an organisation such as Transport for All, etc. Also, certain disabled people are unable to get a Taxi card or Dial-A-Ride membership; this is potentially a breach of the Equality Act 2010.

      If the Labour party becomes the 'red tories' by refusing to reverse 14 years of damages, the option is to put pressure on the general secretaries of the Labour affiliated trade unions; their names are:

      Roy Rickhuss CBE, General Secretary of the Community Trade Union
      Chris Kitchen, General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers
      Mick Whelan, General Secretary of ASLEF
      Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary of TSSA
      Dave Ward, General Secretary of CWU
      Christina McAnea, General Secretary of Unison
      Matt Wrack, General Secretary of FBU
      Gary Smith, General Secretary of GMB
      Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite the Union
      Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the Musicians' Union
      Paddy Lillis, General Secretary of Usdaw

      The general secretaries must know that the degradation of the benefit system will cause issues for their workers because it will increase the number of shopliftings, disruptions, etc.

      This is why the disability groups need to carbon copy the names of the general secretaries to raise awareness about the impacts of the benefit reforms and to put pressure on the Labour government.

      And yes, I voted Labour to tactically get the tories out, but unfortunately, my local tory MP retained their seat.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    How would vouchers help those with mental health issues?  I have non epilepticseizures and PTSD so am not allowed to drive.  I have had therapy and treatment for both etc and am awaiting more appointments so what would I do with vouchers and come to that, anyone else with mental health issues?  
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    · 4 months ago
    I'm hope in they don't change the money to vouchers as I rely on that money to pay my electric bill and paying my carer . I have a motorbility car which helps get me out . To lose that i would then be confined to my house as a prisoner and It does appear that there is a stigma against us people that have a disability which is wrong .  
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    · 4 months ago
    I have a feeling that no one's opinion counts for anything!
    Disability is a easy hit, we are a burden and treated like one . 
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    · 4 months ago
    Doesn't look  good for individuals on PIP, as the government are quiet about the new proposal.  No good news is bad news 😞 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    I wondwe if the government would like to be our shoes if they replace the much needed cash. Vouchers for where M AND S or waitrose. Let them try living on nit alit. Most of us would rather not be on disability or PIP but unfortunately we have no chouce
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Pip vouchers for cash is totally wrong I agree what 1 have read on this platform but how does vouchers pay for pip cars and will not pay household bills and food also everyday living I myself is disabled and disgusted if labour charges cash for vouchers, what are you looking to do put
     pensioner's back in full time employment and are yhe labour government going to cancel tv license for pensioner's over the age off 65 yrs of age, if not why would we need of a government go back on their promises and waste tax payers money purse.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Pip vouchers for cash is totally wrong I agree what I have read on this platform but how does vouchers pay for pip cars and will not pay household bills and food also everyday living  I myself is disabled and disgusted if labour charges cash for vouchers, what are you looking to do put pensioner's back in full time employment and are yhe labour government going to cancel tv license for pensioner's over the age off 65 yrs of age, if not why would we need of a government go back on their promises and waste tax payer's money purse.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Government want to cut PIP and welfare payments, well they should cut the MPs allowances , 2nd homes and there expenses, rather than attack the disabled.  we did not choose to be disabled  
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Wanting to pay PIP in vouchers is not something new. David Cameron, when he was pm, said in 2015, that all benefits, except state pensions, would be paid in the form of payment in kind and no more cash, from 2016 onward. Thanks be to God, the referendum of 2016 got him and his bullshit out. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Vouchers are no good to me I am out of work because of my several health conditions £6000 vouchers a year are stupid what are disabled people going to do for living allowance once the vouchers have been used up 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    I understand that some people can misuse this award, however I can't see how this will cause nothing but problems and embarrassment for the rest of us genuine recipients. It must also be more expensive to use and the DWP as vouchers cost to produce and post out, also the companies such as retailers and taxi companies etc have to redeem them so causing additional headaches for them. I would like to know if I get into a taxi and the journey costs £9 and my voucher is for £20 do I lose the balance? I can't see this system working for anyone who is on pip.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    If vouchers are instead of pip payments in cash people who have motablilty cars will lose there cars. And be stuck indoors like a prison. Li have been on disability payments since 1997 and having severe osteoarthritis and recently I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer , I don't want vouchers as they would be no good to me.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @Stephen Smith Maybe the cars on moblity will be allowed as the benefitvis paid direct to the motability scheme. 
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    · 4 months ago
    They don't realise that us on pip use this money for gas electricity and fuel, most of us are stuck in, 7 days a week and use this money for hospital treatments and so on, so they are going to cut of are life lines, I shop in different places to try to save money as the cost of food has gone up by 25% and can't afford to buy some stuff I used to buy, what is this world come to, come the winter I'll be choosing to heat my flat or eat again. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    I think they should leave pip as cash it's easier for people to no what to pay out people will get confused with this so please leave it as cash thank you a lot of people will be happier 
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    · 4 months ago
    Well i completed it. It was worse than the PIP form itself. Hopefully they wont go along with these proposals but you can never be too sure. Labour after all introduced the WCA. Also will it be seen as copying the conservatives proposals, will that look good? Mind they have a majority so large they probably wont care.

    Please everyone who can fill this in
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    The very fact Labour didn't dismiss the tory proposals right off to change pip and decided to look at the Green paper consultation smacks of decision made. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    I voted Labour this election, AS I believed they would be the best party to vote for ,I hope that the new PM will be fair with disabled people who are on P.I.P the main worry is that people who genuinely can't work will be forced to work . And will make there health must worser,  
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @Tracy Tbh I don’t think so I thought Labour would have a heart .but looks like there worse than conservative but saying that they still need a go first not long been in do we will see 

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