The government has claimed it is going to put an end to “unnecessary” PIP reviews later this summer, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Sarah Newton announced today.
Newton claimed:
“We’ve listened to feedback from organisations and the public, and this common-sense change will ensure that the right protections are in place while minimising any unnecessary stress or bureaucracy.”
The DWP says it will issue new guidance which will mean that people who are:
- awarded the highest level of support under PIP; and
- whose needs are expected to stay the same or increase
will receive an ongoing award of PIP with a “light touch” review every 10 years.
According to the DWP:
“The government will be working with stakeholders to design the light touch review process so that it adds value for both our claimants and the department – for example, by providing information on services available and ensuring that contact or bank details have not changed.”
It sounds like the change will affect claimants who have an award of the enhanced rates of both the mobility and daily living component and whose condition is either very unlikley to change or where their condition is a progressive one which is only likely to become more severe over time. However, we won't know for sure until the DWP publish their detailed guidance. We’ll give more details as soon as they become available.
You can read the full statement here.
