NPC doubts that Minister’s PIP assurances are enough
The NPC is still concerned that the government’s proposed ‘concessions’ to soften their welfare cuts Bill will not be enough to protect the millions of disabled people and their carers from losing vital support.
Sir Stephen Timms MP, the Secretary of State for Social Security and Disability, sent the attached reply to Jan Shortt, the NPC General Secretary after we expressed fears over the new legislation. We still hope MPs will vote to reject the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill when they discuss it on Parliament tomorrow (1st July).
Jan Shortt commented: ‘When MPs vote on whether to introduce a 4-point rule for PIP, they will be voting for a rule that means disabled people who'll need help to go to the toilet, cut up food or wash can be denied PIP. If the Bill passes, the 4-point rule will be law, regardless of any PIP review. The concessions proposed by the government are a red herring to what is really happening here, and millions will be plunged into hardship as a result."
See attached letter.