Record number of Personal Independence Payment claimants reaches 4.1 million
The number of people claiming the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has hit a record high of 4.1 million, official figures show, reports BritPanorama.
This rise represents a two per cent increase from 4.01 million between May and July, coinciding with government plans to implement significant changes to the benefit later this year.
PIP is currently under review by social security minister Stephen Timms, with the final report slated for presentation to the government in autumn 2025.
Interim findings from the early review indicated that the system is “not fit for purpose,” suggesting substantial reforms are warranted. Recommendations recently published could include increased face-to-face assessments and the introduction of vouchers for specific needs instead of lump-sum cash payments.
Prime minister Andy Burnham has committed to reducing Britain’s welfare spending, projected to reach £77.1 billion in 2025/26, up from £36 billion in 2019/20. However, government representatives have stipulated that “crude cuts” will not be pursued, focusing instead on enhancing employment support.
Over the past few years, the number of PIP claimants has doubled from approximately 2 million in 2019/20. The review of this benefit was initiated last year after ministers retreated from plans aimed at tightening assessment criteria, which would have made it harder to qualify for the payment.
Controversy surrounds prior proposals to slash around £5 billion from welfare spending. This prompted a threat of rebellion from over 100 Labour MPs against government measures. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data indicates that claims for the health-related element of universal credit reached 3.6 million in June, marking a 23 per cent increase, or 680,000 more than the previous year. The department notes that much of this rise is attributed to the transition away from legacy benefits which have been replaced by universal credit.
Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately criticized the current benefits system, stating, “Our sickness benefits system is broken and Labour refuse to fix it. It’s too quick to write people off and too slow to help them into work. And it’s costing us a fortune.”
Despite changes to PIP being withdrawn in July, the government proceeded with adjustments that halved the rate of the health-related element for new claimants. Existing claimants, particularly those with severe conditions, continue to receive the previous rates.
The DWP was contacted for comment on these developments.
