DWP refuses to say which conditions will no longer qualify for PIP in benefits crackdown

A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) minister has declined to specify which conditions will be excluded in an upcoming disability benefits overhaul. DWP Secretary Mel Stride emphasised that the changes are intended to create a "fair and compassionate" system with tailored support in a recent update on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility.

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Alison McGovern criticised the government's approach, stating: "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."

She continued her rebuke by saying: "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."

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McGovern also questioned, "He says some health conditions can be taken out of Pip assessments, which conditions are we talking about?". Stride responded that the issues raised by McGovern would be addressed during the consultation process.

He had previously intimated to The Times that individuals with "milder health conditions" might not receive future financial aid and stated in the Commons, "I think we should explore whether that approach we have at the moment is the best one in terms of outcomes," reports Birmingham Live.

"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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