Scope responds to proposed changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Mark Atkinson, chief executive of disability charity Scope, said:

"It's worrying that the government intends to tighten up access to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). We're concerned this could lead to disabled claimants missing out or facing a reduction in the vital financial support they rely on to live independently.

"Life costs more if you’re disabled – Scope research shows disabled people spend on average £550 a month on disability-related costs. PIP plays an important role in helping disabled people meet some of those extra costs.

"It is unhelpful to make crude distinctions between those with physical impairments and mental health issues, because the kind of impairment someone has is not a good indicator of the costs they will face.

"Many disabled people will now be anxiously waiting to hear as to whether or not these tighter rules will affect their current PIP award. The government must offer clarity and reassurance that these new measures will not negatively affect the financial support that disabled people receive now or in the future, and that they stand by their commitment to making no further changes to disability benefits in this Parliament."
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