I am committed to being a voice for those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged in some way. As my mother is disabled, I know first-hand how important it is to care for those who are disabled.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was an outdated, complex benefit introduced over 20 years ago which does not reflect today's understanding of disability. Most people who claim DLA have conditions that change over time, yet 71 per cent of people were receiving DLA for life without any inbuilt systematic reviews. This has led to hundreds of millions of pounds in overpayments and underpayments.
The aim of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is to ensure support is focused on those with the greatest barrier to independence. The assessment of eligibility focuses on an individual's ability to carry out key everyday activities and will be easier to understand and administer.
PIP involves a more objective assessment, including a face-to-face consultation, to help target support at those who need it most. Should someone's condition change under PIP, the new system will ensure they will continue to the get the right award and reduce the capacity for over- and under-payments. PIP will continue to be a non-means-tested, non-taxable cash benefit, giving claimants the confidence that there will be no change to their benefit if they enter work.
The Government has worked hard to ensure that PIP has the support of disabled people by consulting with them throughout the development process, using their views to inform policy design and implementation plans.