Martin Lewis speaks out over DWP PIP benefits changes and end of cash payments
Martin Lewis has spoken out about the Government's proposed DWP PIP benefits changes.
Money saving expert Martin Lewis has spoken out on the Government’s proposed DWP PIP benefits changes and the ‘vital support’ for disabled people.
Martin, a source of financial advice for millions on everything from pensions to cheaper electricity and mobile phone bills, has spoken out after it was announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that ‘our disability system isn’t working’.
Mr Sunak announced a reform of the benefits system to ‘end the one size fits all approach’ as the Government launched a Green Paper consultation on the future of the Personal Independence Payment benefits.
He said: “Our disability benefit system isn’t working how it should be.
“That's why we're reforming it, targeting support to those who need it most and ending the one-size fits all approach.
“We'll always protect the vulnerable, but must make sure the system is sustainable for the future.”
Currently, PIP sees claimants handed a maximum of £184 per week to help meet the costs of living with chronic disabilities or conditions, which totals £9,580 a year.
Proposed changes include making people on Universal Credit ‘look for more work’, strengthening sanctions, changes to work capability assessments and ‘reforming the fit note system’.
Another change suggested would see cash payments swapped for vouchers instead.
Now Martin Lewis has spoken out about the proposals. He said: “Making mental health talking and other therapies easily and speedily accessible to all who need it, so many can recover and restart their lives is great, and once done you can look at those who aren't working who could be.
“Taking away vital support from people when they have mental health issues, when there are nearly two million waiting for mental health therapies - many being left to catastrophise - surely risks terrible consequences.
“Push economics is good when it pushes people to do something positive. Yet can be cruel when it pushes people to do something they can't do.”
The consultation will be open for 12 weeks until July 23.
