PIP Changes

Hello Hughie,

There have been a number of posts on the proposed budget changes on the forum recently and many more comments in the News section, but we must wait and see. Much of this is only speculation at present, fuelled by newspapers keen to pander to people's anxieties and prejudices.

Like everyone else, I'm worried about what might happen and reading all the negative comments doesn't help. I've chosen to respond to your post rather than some of the others because of its measured tone and polite language.

Obviously, this is only my opinion - I don't know any more than anyone else - and I can't answer any of your questions, I'm afraid, or allay your fears (or, indeed, my own), but I'd like to offer a different perspective.

I don't believe that anyone should be forced to go out to work against their will, as many of us, particularly those with caring responsibilities, already work hard enough at home. There are many statistics already published - and the government should be well aware of this - to show how much this saves the public purse, and some studies indicate the economy would probably collapse without this important contribution. Nor do I see any sense in forcing those close to retirement or with multiple health conditions to undertake unsuitable work or training programmes.

But here's the thing - I know several young people (aged thirty and under), all with diagnoses of neurodiversity and learning disabilities, some of whom also have debilitating physical conditions, who have never had the opportunity to work and would love to do so, even if only part-time. The problem is, they would all need the right support to secure and maintain a job, and the current system (which I must confess I don't properly understand) discourages this. I'd love to think that some of the reforms being introduced might actually help these young people to achieve some of their (very modest) aims and ambitions - even those with disabilities should be allowed to dare to dream!

This would not be cheap. I hope the government understands that PIP already makes a contribution towards this by enabling disabled people who can work to continue to do so and that, by withdrawing this support, they might succeed only in driving up the bill for health and welfare. We all pay taxes, even those with disabilities, and should be able to expect some respect from society as a consequence.

Thank you for bearing with me.

Best wishes,

Wendy