DWP update on which conditions will no longer qualify for PIP in disability benefits crackdown

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) remains tight-lipped on which conditions will soon be ineligible for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) under new reforms aimed at tightening disability benefits.

DWP Secretary Mel Stride has maintained the stance that the new suggestions aim to establish a system that is "fair and compassionate" and offers "bespoke" support, reports Birmingham Live.

Challenging the Secretary about his approach, Alison McGovern, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: "In recent weeks, the Secretary of State has decided to speak out of both sides of his mouth. On the one hand he says 'I am grateful for today's more open approach to mental health', and with the same breath he tells us 'there is danger that this has gone too far'."

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"He wants it both ways, he thinks that openness about mental health is good but then says the very thing that brings back the stigma. Every time (Mr Stride) speaks, he makes it less likely that people will be open about their mental health."

Ms Govern challenged the Secretary by asking, "He says some health conditions can be taken out of Pip assessments, which conditions are we talking about? ".

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Despite remaining vague on specifics, Mr Stride reassured Ms McGovern that her worries will be brought up in consultation talks. Previously hinting to the Times, he stated that individuals with "milder health conditions" could cease to receive financial assistance, saying in Parliament, "I think we should explore whether that approach we have at the moment is the best one in terms of outcomes."

"We have much to learn from the experiences of other countries around the world who have a similar benefit but go about the organisation and application of that benefit in a different way. New Zealand, for example, does indeed make payments based on invoices submitted for equipment by those who are receiving the benefit; Norway, for example doesn't have assessments in the way that we do, they rely more on medical evidence provided by medical practitioners."

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