DWP confirms PIP to stay non means-tested when it becomes the only health assessment for benefits

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made it clear there will be no changes to the existing eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), following reports that the Treasury may have been considering making it a means-tested benefit in order ro reduce annual welfare costs.Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, confirmed there are no plans to change the disability benefit during a debate around the PIP assessments process on Monday after Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft said the reports were causing “alarm among disabled people”.

She said: “In recent weeks, it has also been reported that, in a bid to reduce the welfare bill, the Treasury may consider cutting or means-testing PIP.

Unsurprisingly, that has caused further alarm among disabled people and those who work with and represent them.”However, the DWP Minister responded: “The shadow Minister (Vicky Foxcroft), touched on means-testing for the Personal Independence Payment, or changes to eligibility for PIP.

I can confirm that there are no plans for that. I want to be very clear about that.”The debate addressed concerns around the current PIP assessment process and the lack of consistency or claimants.