In July, the Government’s review into personal independence payments (PIP), a benefit to help people with long-term health conditions and disabilities cover extra living costs, found it is “not fit for purpose”. The bill is forecast to cost taxpayers more than £40bn by the end of the decade.
Critics say that people with some conditions shouldn’t be eligible, and that it’s unfair on those who need PIP to get by. Others say that without PIP, vulnerable people would be left unable to make ends meet.
So, should PIP be cut? Conservative councillor Lana Hempsall and personal finance expert Saq Hussain give their perspectives.
The case for reforming personal independence payments (PIP) is clear. As of April, more than four million people in England and Wales were entitled to PIP. Spending is forecast to reach £41bn by 2030/31, with £34bn of it on working-age claimants.
Even the review being run by Welfare minister Sir Stephen Timms has concluded the system is “not fit for purpose”.
