Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reasons he plans to deny additional points in the assessment for personal independence payments to people who are unable to plan the route of a journey, or follow the route of a familiar or unfamiliar journey without help, if the reason is psychological distress.

This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring our welfare system is a strong safety net for those who need it. That’s why we spend around £50bn a year supporting people with disabilities and health conditions; approx. 2.5% of GDP and over 6% of all Government spending

We have been very clear about the reasons we are making these changes to two of the activities within the PIP assessment criteria. Recent legal cases have broadened the way the PIP assessment criteria are interpreted. We need to clarify the criteria to restore the original aim of the policy and make sure we are giving the most support to those who need it most.

These changes will not result in any claimants seeing a reduction in the amount of PIP previously awarded by DWP. It is not a change to the policy nor is it intended to make new savings.

Many people experiencing psychological distress still qualify for PIP through other assessment criteria. In fact, more people with a mental health condition are getting higher payments for both PIP components, compared to the DLA equivalents.

Overall, 27% of PIP recipients with a mental health condition get the enhanced rate mobility component, compared to 9% receiving the higher rate DLA mobility component.