The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has assured Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants that their access to additional support services like Blue Badges, concessionary travel, or Carer’s Allowance will not change. This assurance comes in the wake of impending welfare reforms set for next year.
During a session in the House of Commons, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall reassured MPs that the 3.7 million individuals receiving up to £749.80 every four weeks under PIP will not experience any disruption to their entitlements. Her statement followed a query from Labour MP Dr Lauren Sullivan of Gravesham, who raised concerns about proposed changes to PIP – emphasising its significance as a gateway benefit and the broader impact such alterations could have on disabled individuals.
Dr Sullivan inquired: “PIP is, of course, a passport to freedom for many other things such as the Carer’s Allowance, and many local authorities use PIP for Blue Badges and bus passes.
“Does the secretary of state have a plan to mitigate the impact of the potential changes to PIP eligibility on access to Blue Badges and bus passes for disabled people?”
Ms Kendall stated: “As I said in my statement, existing PIP claimants will continue to have that benefit. It will not be affected even if they have a reassessment, and neither will all the passported benefits.”, reports The Mirror.
“Carer’s Allowance is the best known, but all passported benefits will be included in that protection,” Ms Kendall added in her clarification.
Conservative MP for East Wiltshire, Danny Kruger, has urged the DWP to reevaluate the Motability Scheme amid the Government’s broader review of benefits. During a parliamentary session on June 23, prompted by questions from the shadow minister directed at senior DWP officials, Mr Kruger raised concerns over the scheme’s expansion.
Originally intended to support individuals with physical disabilities, Mr Kruger noted that the Motability Scheme now adds over 100,000 new recipients annually, many of whom, he claims, do not have physical impairments. He also highlighted that nearly one in five new cars sold in the UK are acquired through the programme, costing taxpayers close to £3 billion each year.
Mr Kruger questioned the Government’s handling of the scheme, stating: “I know that the Minister will blame us (Conservative Party) for the system, but the fact is that the Government are not even looking at Motability. They have had a year, and it is their policy now.
“Will the Minister commit to a proper review of the Motability scheme, and if not, why not?”
In response, Sir Stephen Timms, minister for social security and disability, addressed the shadow minister’s remarks, saying: “I am not sure whether the shadow Minister wants me to go further or not so far – he seems to be facing both ways.
“He is right that we are not at this point proposing any changes to the Motability scheme.”
For those choosing this comprehensive scheme, it’s highlighted that the higher rate of mobility component within the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) stands at £77.05 weekly, totalling around £308.20 per four-week period.
The most recent figures from Motability Operations, the charity responsible for the Motability Scheme, reveal that there are currently 815,000 customers across the UK.
The scheme, also known as the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme for those receiving devolved disability benefits like Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP), provides an affordable solution for disabled individuals to enhance their outdoor mobility.
