PIP changes: Government ‘moving the goalposts’ for most vulnerable - Arthritis Research UK response
We've responded with deep concern to the Government’s proposed changes to the assessment of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and are urging the Government to rethink.
Take action and ask your MP to call for an emergency debate on the Government's changes to PIP.
]The Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson MP, announced last week (Friday 11 March) that the Government would be making changes to the way in which people qualify for this benefit. These changes were mentioned in this week’s Budget by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which revealed that the Government was seeking to save £1.4 billion by reducing these benefits.
What does this mean for disabled people living with arthritis?
The changes mean that from January 2017 the number of points that can be scored in the PIP assessment for using an aid or appliance to manage toilet needs, or to dress and undress will be halved from two to one. This move could have a major impact on thousands of people with arthritis who would rely on PIP, and it may mean some disabled people with arthritis see a drop in their support, or are even turned down for this support altogether in future.
Arthritis is the number one cause of pain and disability in the UK, and over a third of people in receipt of PIP are living with the pain of arthritis. If these changes happen, many of these people may not qualify for this benefit from January 2017 onwards, and could lose out on support of up to £150 a week.
This move, far from being fair, jeopardises their right to remain independent, and we're calling on the Government to rethink this proposal.
‘A lack of understanding’
“It’s important that a society treats its most vulnerable people with dignity and respect. These proposals demonstrate a lack of understanding of the daily life of people living with the pain of arthritis.” Tracey Loftis, head of policy and public affairs
Tracey Loftis, our head of policy and public affairs, said: "We believe the Government are moving the goalposts for over 200,000 disabled people living with the pain of arthritis. People don't choose to use aids and appliances, often they need it for basic tasks that we take for granted.
"As one of our supporters told us, 'Imagine not being able to do up your shirt buttons without help or an aid. Or go to the toilet without rails and handles for support.'
"It’s important that a society treats its most vulnerable people with dignity and respect. These proposals demonstrate a lack of understanding of the daily life of people living with the pain of arthritis."
"We're calling on the Government to reconsider its recent announcement to change the assessment of the Personal Independence Payment for disabled people."
What are we doing to fight these changes?
Before Christmas the Government issued a consultation on proposed changes to the assessment criteria for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payments (PIP). We responded to this consultation with deep concern, and urged the Government not to take forward any of their proposals for changes.
We're now asking our Arthritis Champion MPs in Parliament to join us in the fight to stop these changes and protect vulnerable people living in pain.
We’ve also joined forces with Parkinson’s UK and the MS Society to make sure MPs know the impact these changes would have.
Add your voice and ask your local MP to call for an emergency debate on PIP. Let them know the impact these changes could have on people with disabilities who rely on vital PIP support.
We're part of the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of charities fighting on behalf of people living with disabilities, and are working with our partners from the DBC to stop these changes to PIP assessment.
What's next?
Join us, Parkinson's UK and the MS Society in the fight against the Government’s unfair changes to the assessment for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which could leave some disabled people living with arthritis up to £150 a week worse off.
We'll continue to oppose these changes and fight for a fair deal for people living with arthritis. Look out for the latest on our campaigns by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
If you're worried about how these changes might affect you, the Citizens Advice Bureau are on hand to offer advice and guidance. Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk for more information.
If you'd like to share your story with us to help with our campaign work with MPs and in the press, please get in touch with our team on action@arthritisresearchuk.org
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Posted on Monday 21st March 2016