New calls for PIP to continue for people with mental health conditions under DWP reforms

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A new online petition is urging the UK Government to continue providing financial support for people with mental health conditions claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently announced that the disability benefit will be given a major overhaul in an effort to reduce spiralling costs.

Petition creator Daniel Hunter Donald, argues that individuals with mental health conditions “must continue to be eligible for PIP” and that “taking away lifelines from people who are struggling will cause millions of people's quality of life to reduce even further”, warning that removing the financial arm of PIP could have “fatal consequences”.On Monday, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, launched a new Green Paper and online consultation, specifically proposing changes to the eligibility criteria, assessment process, types of support that can be offered and alternatives to the regular cash payment, which is worth between £114.80 and £737.20 every four-week payment period.Both Sunak and Stride have said that the current PIP system operates a “one size fits all model” and “does not channel people towards bespoke support tailored to an individual’s needs”.The DWP said: “ We want to understand whether there are other forms of support that may be more suitable for everyone, including people with mental health conditions.“In the decade since the introduction of PIP, the nature and understanding of health and disability has also changed profoundly, and the clinical case mix has evolved in line with these broader changes including many more people applying for disability benefits with mental health and neurodivergent conditions.”The Green Paper looks at whether there are ways the