Responding to today’s Budget announcement that Government will reduce the points awarded to aids and appliances for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the areas of continence and dressing and undressing, Phil Reynolds, Policy and Campaigns Advisor at Parkinson’s UK and Disability Benefits Consortium Co-Chair said:
‘Disabled people will be deeply disappointed and worried by the Chancellor’s decision to weaken the support provided by Personal Independence Payment, making it even more difficult to claim.
People who rely on aids and appliances to help them achieve daily activities like dressing themselves, or to avoid an episode of incontinence clearly need financial support to help them maintain their independence and participate in society.
These changes could have harmful consequences for the health and independence of the 640,000 affected disabled people, and significant cost implications for the NHS and local authority social care services as a result.
The prospect of further reform will add to the concerns of disabled people about the support they will be able to receive. Any future changes must do much more to improve access to support for disabled people, rather than chiselling it away.’
The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) is a national coalition of over 60 different charities and other organisations committed to working towards a fair benefits system.
Using our combined knowledge, experience and direct contact with disabled individuals and carers, we seek to ensure Government policy reflects and meets the needs of all disabled people.
For further information, please contact Policy Group Co-Chairs Phil Reynolds at preynolds[at]parkinsons.org.uk or Laura Wetherly at laura.wetherly[at]mssociety.org.uk
Disability Benefits Consortium 