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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the mobility element of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is “in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future”. The latest data from DWP shows that in July, over three million PIP claimants (80%) were in receipt of the mobility component. This is made up of 1,961,029 claimants with the higher payment award , worth £77.05 per week and 1,111,219 on the standard award rate of £29.20 per week. There are currently more than 3.8 million people claiming PIP across England and Wales - all Scots have now been transferred to Adult Disability Payment. DWP had previously said that only the daily living part of PIP would be reviewed, but in response to questions in the Commons earlier this week and a written response to one former Labour MP, the Department confirms the mobility eligibility process is also being reviewed. Former Labour and now an Independent MP, Rachel Maskell asked the DWP ‘what steps it is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances’ of PIP. In a written response on Monday, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, said: “The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future. “We will co-produce the Review with disabled people, and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly. “We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.” The DWP Minister also took a question from the York Central MP during the parliamentary session on Monday. Ms Maskell said: “Giving sick and disabled people agency and drawing on lived experience sets the only path to getting policy right, so that they can access work appointments and get out of their homes, avoiding worklessness, health decline and isolation, with their mobility support needs recognised through PIP.” She sought a guarantee that the DWP will “ensure that any policy reforms to PIP mobility payments are fully co-produced with sick and disabled people.” Sir Stephen responded: “I can reassure (Ms Maskell) that the review of the PIP assessment, including the mobility element of that benefit, will be undertaken fully in co-production with disabled people and disabled people’s organisations. I will be setting out very shortly how the review I am going to be leading will be undertaken.” The DWP Minister also took a question from Labour backbencher Emma Lewell about the Motability scheme, which PIP claimants can access by swapping all or part of their higher rate of their mobility award, to lease a new vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair. Speculation is growing that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could reform parts of the Motability scheme, to make savings at next month’s Autumn Budget. The South Shields MP, told the Commons: “The Motability scheme provides a lifeline to people with disabilities, allowing them to get to health appointments, study, maintain employment and so much more. Cuts to the scheme risk increased health needs and increased unemployment, which are likely to cost much more than any short-term savings. “Does (Sir Stephen) agree that before any proposed cuts are implemented, it is vital to carry out a proper impact assessment?” Sir Stephen replied: “I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no changes to the eligibility conditions for the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment, or indeed other aspects of PIP, until the conclusion of the review, which I will be leading and co-producing with disabled people. That is expected to report in autumn next year.”
