Prime Minister announces plans for reform of Personal Independence Payment alongside other changes to benefits for disabled people

2 mins read

Friday 19 April 2024

In a speech earlier today , Friday 19 April, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to carry out major reform of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). No details were provided of how PIP will be changed other than that reforms will be focused on reducing the numbers of adults with mental health conditions who qualify.

In his speech the Prime Minister also announced:

  • A consultation on reform of the fit note process including moving the responsibility for providing fit notes from GPs to ‘specialist work and health professionals’
  • Bringing forward the managed migration of employment and support allowance claimants onto universal credit. Originally scheduled for 2028, this will now happen sooner although the new timetable has not been confirmed
  • Tightening of criteria used in work capability assessments although this may refer to changes already announced in last year’s Autumn statement
  • The introduction of a new Fraud Bill in the next Parliament.

Derek Sinclair, Contact’s benefits specialist said: “Contact is extremely concerned that rather than look at how best to support disabled people struggling with a cost of living crisis, the proposals announced today seem driven by a desire to make spending cuts regardless of the very serious impact this will have on many disabled young people.”

If you have a disabled child, or you are on a low-income or not working, you may be entitled to certain benefits and tax credits to help with the extra costs you face. Visit our webpage for more information.