 sought to calm fears, two weeks after new Cabinet minister Mel Stride refused to rule out restricting the benefit to the poorestIt would have been a major shake-up for millions (stock photo)There are 'no plans' to restrict a vital disability benefit to only the poorest Brits, the DWP has finally confirmed. Minister for Disabled People Tom Pursglove attempted to close down speculation over Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is claimed by 3million Brits. Currently the benefit pays up to £156.90 a week to any claimant, rich or poor, who can show they need help with the costs of being disabled. But Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride sparked alarm two weeks ago by refusing to rule out means-testing the benefit in a Commons clash earlier. He also did not rule out means-testing carers' allowance, attendance allowance, or disability living allowance for children. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride sparked alarm two weeks ago by refusing to rule out means-testing the benefit ( PA) That had sparked alarm from campaigners, despite government sources insisting to the Mirror that means-testing was unlikely. Welfare campaigners had already been concerned after the DWP said last year it 'could look to create a new single benefit' for disabled people. This has raised some fears as PIP and DLA are paid regardless of wealth, while ESA and UC depend partly on your income. The DWP was asked by Labour MP Marsha De Cordova if it planned to means-test Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment. Labour MP Marsha De Cordova ( Twitter) Minister Mr Pursglove replied: 'We have no plans to means test Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). 'Both DLA and PIP are intended to act as a contribution towards the extra costs that arise as a result of a long-term health condition, or disability. 'And [they] have been non-means tested since they were introduced.' Mr Pursglove's answer does not){kind=link}
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sought to calm fears, two weeks after new Cabinet minister Mel Stride refused to rule out restricting the benefit to the poorest
There are “no plans” to restrict a vital disability benefit to only the poorest Brits, the DWP has finally confirmed.
Minister for Disabled People Tom Pursglove attempted to close down speculation over Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is claimed by 3million Brits.
Currently the benefit pays up to £156.90 a week to any claimant, rich or poor, who can show they need help with the costs of being disabled.
But Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride sparked alarm two weeks ago by refusing to rule out means-testing the benefit in a Commons clash earlier.