The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) consulted on changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as it has been 10 years since it has been introduced.

The Green Paper explored changes that could be made to the current PIP system including reforming the PIP assessment so that it is more linked to a person’s condition.  It also explored whether the Government should make fundamental changes to the way support is provided including through moving away from a cash-based approach to providing help through vouchers.

Siobhán prepared a Consortium response to this consultation.  In order to make a response Siobhán spoke to a number of women through the Women’s Centres to get their views on the proposed changes.  There was clear opposition to any move away from a cash first approach to the payment of PIP and all of the women were very against the use of vouchers or other methods of payment believing that this removes the dignity of people with disabilities and health conditions.

The Consortium’s response is available to read here.