Voice of People Report, 15 March:

The UK government has announced that the duration of awards for new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants will be extended. The main goal of this change is to reduce the backlog of Work Capability Assessments (WCA) and allow health professionals to carry out more face-to-face assessments.

Current System and New Changes: Currently, PIP award reviews can occur within approximately nine months. In many cases, no change is observed in the award during these reviews. Under the new rules, for new claims from people aged 25 and over, the award period will be at least three years, increasing to five years at the next review if the claimant remains eligible.

The DWP has stated that these changes are separate from the Timms Review. The Timms Review will examine the role of PIP, its assessment process, and the criteria used to help disabled individuals improve their health, living standards, and independence.

Connection with Universal Credit: The new rules will take effect from April. At the same time, changes are being made to Universal Credit in the UK to reduce the gap in support between unemployment and long-term sickness.

Increase in Face-to-Face Assessments: Face-to-face assessments, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume. Under the previous government, 80% of assessments were conducted virtually. Under the new rules, PIP face-to-face assessments will increase from 6% (57,000) in 2024 to 30%, and WCA assessments will similarly increase from 13% (74,000) to 30%.

The government has stated that these changes will reform the “broken welfare system”. Health professionals will be able to conduct more face-to-face assessments and reassessments. Reassessments are important because they help evaluate how changes in health and disability affect people over time.

Economic Impact: These measures are expected to save UK taxpayers approximately £1.9 billion by 2030/31. In addition, the Connect to Work program will continue, and 1,000 work coaches will be redeployed to support sick or disabled individuals.

Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:
"We are committed to reforming the inherited welfare system, which for too long has written off millions of people as ‘too sick to work’."