The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed a major review of PIP mobility and daily living will be completed this autumn
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed eligibility for the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be reviewed alongside the daily living element, as part of the UK Government’s welfare reforms.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms will co-produce the review with disabled groups and charities, which will be completed this autumn.
During the State Pension and benefits uprating debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Sir Stephen confirmed the review will be published before 2027 after Conservative MP Rebecca Smith suggested it would not be available until next year.
Sir Stephen said: “I am co-chairing a review of PIP that will conclude by the autumn of this year; she (Rebecca Smith) said that she did not think that the review would happen until 2027, but it will conclude by the autumn of this year.”
PIP claimants awarded the enhanced rate of the PIP mobility component can transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme.
The latest figures from Motability Operations – the organisation behind the life-changing Motability Scheme – show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including approximately 80,000 living in Scotland, reports the Daily Record.
There are currently over 3.2 million Blue Badge permit holders across the UK, including over 235,700 in Scotland. DWP figures also reveal that just over 3m PIP claimants receive either the standard or higher rate of the mobility component.
This comprises 1,961,029 claimants receiving the higher payment award, worth £77.05 per week, and 1,111,219 on the standard award rate of £29.20 per week. There are currently nearly 3.9 million people claiming PIP across England and Wales – all Scots have now been transferred to Adult Disability Payment.
In a written question to the DWP, former Labour and now an Independent MP, Rachel Maskell recently asked what steps it is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances of PIP.
In a written response, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, said: “The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future.
“We will co-produce the Review with disabled people, and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly. We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to reform the Motability Scheme during the Autumn Budget. These reforms include ending the VAT relief on top-up payments, a one-off voluntary payment required to lease more expensive vehicles on the Scheme, and the application of Insurance Premium Tax on leases.
Tax alterations will not significantly affect vehicles that have been extensively modified for wheelchair users, or existing leases, and Motability will continue to supply vehicles at no extra cost to the value of eligible disability benefits.