New laws have come into force and a Labour MP asked about work capability and personal independence payment assessments
An update has been given for anyone who is on personal independence payment over the chance of being referred for a new assessment. New laws have come into effect in the last month which impact people claiming some benefits incluidng Personal Independence Payments .
The so-called “Right to Try” change is seen as central to the Government’s welfare reforms, which it says will stop people being “trapped on benefits”. It means employment will not automatically trigger a benefits reassessment for claimants who are on employment and support allowance , personal independence payment and the health element of universal credit in England, Wales and Scotland.
Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft asked a written question to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden: “Under what circumstances a decision-maker is required to order new a) work capability and b) personal independence payment assessments under Right to Try regulations. ” Sir Stephen Timms Minister of State for Social Security and Disability gave a key undertaking for those people on PIPs.
He said: “This Government is committed to giving disabled people and people with health conditions the confidence that working will not trigger a reassessment and a potential loss of benefits.
“Under the Right to Try regulations, staff cannot order a new Work Capability Assessment or Personal Independence Payment assessment solely because a claimant has started paid or voluntary work. ” The changes come after the Government consulted with disabled people and organisations on groups called collaboration committees. It also includes a guarantee that people looking to volunteer will be able to do so without fear of benefit reassessment.
The move was called a “positive and practical step” by the head of Mental Health UK. At Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday Sir Keir Starmer blamed the Conservatives for the rising welfare bill as he came under criticism for an apparent £20 billion increase since Labour came into office. Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir was asked by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch how much it had risen by.
He said: “We inherited a broken system from the party opposite and we are now improving that system, delivering a youth guarantee, rolling out 300,000 work experience placements and commissioned Alan Milburn’s review into youth unemployment.
“They’re the steps that we are taking. As she will know, the number on welfare went up hugely on their watch, as did the cost under the shadow chancellor. ” Mrs Badenoch asked: “Benefits alone have risen by £20 billion since he came to office. The Prime Minister has promised welfare reforms, we heard him say it just now.
So, can he tell the House why was there no Bill in the King’s Speech to reform welfare? ” Sir Keir replied: “Welfare reform is balancing universal credit so it no longer pushes people away from work. That’s what we’re doing, they voted against it.
“Welfare reform is introducing a right to try to incentivise people to take up opportunities, that’s what we’re doing, they voted against it. Welfare reform is providing record funding on apprenticeships, that’s what we’re doing. Apprenticeship starts fell by 40% on their watch.
“She talks about the welfare bill, it soared by £88 billion on their watch. Nearly three million people were written off, face-to-face assessment collapsed because of the contracts they agreed, and the person who signed off those contracts was the shadow chancellor. ” Speaking about the law change Sir Stephen said: ”Giving sick and disabled people legal protection to try work without fear is vital for their futures and for growing our economy.
“It’s part of the work we’re doing to bear down on the cost of living and boost living standards for sick or disabled people in every corner of the country. “With 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness, we’re removing the barriers that have held people back for too long.
” Chief executive of Mental Health UK Brian Dow said: “People often tell us that fear of reassessment, or even losing essential support if things don’t work out, is a significant barrier to taking those first steps back into work.
“The Right to Try is a positive and practical step that will ensure people have a safety net when exploring opportunities for work or volunteering. “This welcome initiative will ensure people are more supported and help them to build confidence, skills and connection at a pace that supports their recovery to better mental health. ”
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