MPs take evidence on proposal to replace Disability Living Allowance
23 November 2011
The Commons Work and Pensions Committee has launched an inquiry into the Government's proposal to introduce Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from 2013, replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working age claimants by 2015/16.
- Parliament TV: Proposal to replace Disability Living Allowance with Personal Independence Payment
- Inquiry: Proposal to replace Disability Living Allowance with Personal Independence Payment
- Work and Pensions Committee
Witnesses
Wednesday 23 November 2011, Committee Room 15, House of Commons
At 9.30 am
- Neil Coyle, Director of Policy, Disability Alliance
- Paul Farmer, Chief Executive, Mind
- Amanda Batten, Director of External Affairs, National Autistic Society
- Geoff Fimister, Campaigns Officer, RNIB
- Eugene Grant, Public Policy Officer, Scope
Background
PIP will be similar to DLA in that it will be a non-means tested, non-contributory tax-free cash benefit paid to people whose disabilities mean they incur extra costs in everyday life; however, the Government aims to simplify the benefit and reduce expenditure by introducing a new assessment for PIP and by changing some of the current rules.
The changes include;
- systematic periodic review of most PIP awards
- ending automatic entitlement for specific conditions
- replacing DLA's three rates in the care component with two rates in the new daily living component; and extending the Qualifying Period from 3 months to 6 months.
This is the second evidence session in the inquiry. The committee will explore the case for reform and the Government's approach to it. It will also consider the latest draft of the PIP assessment criteria and plans for the delivery of the assessment. The Government's approach to consultation and its communication strategy will also be discussed.