DWP PIP to be overhauled with voucher system not ruled out

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has left the door open to the possibility of replacing Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with vouchers, despite recognising "real concern" about such a move. Speaking to the Work and Pensions Committee on Wednesday, Kendall stopped short of dismissing the previous government's consideration of a voucher system aimed at cutting costs for taxpayers. She did, however acknowledge a "real concern" regarding this policy direction, commenting on its implications for the "empowerment" and autonomy of claimants.

The Leicester MP also mentioned her intention to propose new ideas for reforming PIP. The former Government had suggested various changes, including the swapping out PIP cash payments – which are awarded irrespective of income and meant to assist those living with disabilities in their daily lives – for vouchers. These proposed reforms were part of a broader strategy to address the increasing number of disability benefit claimants, projected to cost £28 billion annually by 2028/29, marking a 110% increase in expenditure since 2019.



But the plans to implement a voucher system faced backlash, with it argued people who claim PIP would have their personal independence taken from them. Ms Kendall said: "I was very struck particularly by the comments people made around shifting support to vouchers and where many organisations said their real concern was that it took away people’s autonomy and particularly when services are so stretched and tight, "I will be putting forward our own proposals to reform sickness and disability benefits. This is extremely difficult and I know people really want more detail, but we won’t do that until we’re absolutely ready and have had the proper discussions with people.

" When asked if she would rule out continuing with a voucher system, she did not commit either way..