Plans to tighten up disability benefits are attacked by health and disability representatives

Proposals to overhaul the UK’s disability benefits and make them more targeted to people with the greatest need have been described as “cruel” and “ineffective” by doctors’ leaders.The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a consultation on reforming the disability benefits system, which proposes removing the need for personal independence payment (PIP) assessments for people with certain long term health conditions or disabilities, including terminal illnesses.Under the plans, however, people with mild anxiety and depression would no longer receive the PIP, while others could be offered treatment for their condition instead of a regular PIP. The aim of the health and disability green paper1 is to cut bureaucracy while targeting and improving support for the people who need it most.The PIP was introduced in 2013 and aimed to help disabled people to live independently. Currently, 2.6 million people of working age in the UK are claiming PIP and disability…
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