Review of the full PIP assessment process for the daily living and mobility components will be completed this year …

by Democrat reporter

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed eligibility for the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be reviewed alongside the daily living element, as part of the UK Government’s welfare reforms.

Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, pictured left, will co-produce the review with disabled groups and charities, which is expected to be completed this Autumn.

PIP claimants awarded the higher rate of the PIP mobility component can transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme.

DWP was recently asked to “consider the benefits to which PIP is a gateway, such as Motability, disability premiums, Council Tax discounts and Blue Badges”.

Sir Stephen told MPs: “We have made it clear that we will co-produce our review of the PIP assessment with disabled people and representatives of disability organisations.

“The review will cover the assessment for the mobility component, which leads on to the Motability scheme, and other entitlements to which PIP is a gateway.”

The latest figures from Motability Operations – the company behind the life-changing Motability Scheme – show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 living in Scotland.

There are currently over 3.2 million Blue Badge permit holders across the UK, including over 235,700 in Scotland.

DWP data also shows that just over 3m PIP claimants receive either the standard or higher rate of the mobility component.

This is made up of 1,961,029 claimants with the higher payment award, worth £77.05 per week and 1,111,219 on the standard award rate of £29.20 per week. There are currently more than 3.8 million people claiming PIP across England and Wales – all Scots have now been transferred to Adult Disability Payment.

In a written question to the DWP, former Labour and now an Independent MP, Rachel Maskell asked what steps it is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances’ of PIP.

Sir Stephen Timms, said: “The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future.

“We will co-produce the Review with disabled people, and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly.

“We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to reform the Motability Scheme during the Autumn Budget in November.