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I'm not sure if the email address for the feedback for the consultation process was fully copied into my last post but I'm including this in case it wasn't.

Thanks B&W for this timely reminder.  Just to say that we can contribute to this consultation process via email too.  The green paper includes the following email address for feedback.

I sent the following email which I posted in another section on this forum.  Other people have also done this and have given their examples.  If anyone is interested in using any of it they are welcome to.  

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to express deep concerns about the recent proposal to reduce or alter Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefits, including the suggestion of issuing vouchers for essential disability aids and services.

As a recipient of PIP benefits and an individual facing long term disabilities, I find it necessary to share the significant repercussions this proposal could have on individuals like myself and the broader disabled community.

In the spirit of clarity and effective communication, I will address this letter in three parts. First, providing feedback on the challenging consultation process; second, sharing thoughts on the proposed suggestions; and finally, considering the legal liabilities and potential group litigation implications.

1. Feedback regarding the consultation process:

The current consultation process, as detailed in the green paper, has presented significant hurdles for individuals such as myself with disabilities. Engaging with the online questionnaire proved to be too daunting, with a lack of essential accommodations such as a 'save and edit' button and misaligned page numbers complicating participation. The distressing and complicated nature of the process compounded the physical pain experienced.

The timing of this green paper consultation (coinciding with electioneering) combined with its complexity has not inspired confidence in the disabled community to participate in the process.

Years of dehumanizing treatment from repeated Work Capability Assessments have severely eroded my confidence in government and health consultation processes. The adversarial nature of past WCA assessments has fostered deep skepticism concerning the fairness of government initiatives, making engagement almost impossible. I'm writing this email (which has taken me weeks to put together saving and editing where needed) in the hopes that it will contribute to the process.

2. Feedback on the proposed suggestions to replace PIP payments:

Many of us have relied on basic disability benefits for years, striving not to burden the state unnecessarily by only claiming the basic ESA support group benefit, for instance. Facing the potential removal of the recently awarded PIP benefits in older life after years of navigating basic disability benefit poverty is unimaginably distressing. Countless older individuals in similar situations have managed with minimal state support, only to be confronted with the threat now of this potential loss of PIP. Many have needed it throughout their lives.

I rely on PIP for crucial needs such as cleaning, therapies, dietary requirements, transportation, and specialized equipment. Disrupting this individually tailored essential assistance could have profound consequences on our well-being. Impacting delicate health equilibrium in this way to this sector of society will have severe knock-on effects to NHS and local care services, etc.

3. Legal Liabilities and Considerations:

During this new consultation, any government must surely take its existing legal liabilities seriously regarding the damage endured over years from the Work Capability Assessments. Government should consider the potential for group litigation with regards to this. Ignoring of the serious damage from the WCA assessment system whilst continuing to erode disabled people's lives and equilibrium with these latest proposals must surely point to short-term thinking not taking into account longer-term consequences of pushing us to the brink of litigation on-mass.

While it is understandable that adjustments may be necessary due to the increasing burden of the disability benefit bill, it is crucial to acknowledge the lasting impact on individuals who have endured the effects of a system deemed traumatizing by the World Health Organization.

As we contemplate potential changes, it is essential to handle any reforms with care, recognizing that future recipients may have different expectations compared to longer-term recipients who could be significantly destabilized by significant alterations.

Thank you for considering these critical matters and acknowledging the perspectives of those directly impacted by these proposed changes. I hope that my concerns, alongside those of many others in the disabled community, will be given due consideration in decision-making regarding the future of PIP disability benefits.


Sincerely 

I have multiple auto immune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease and severe endometriosis.  

The stress this 'green paper' has added to my everyday life in the past couple of months has only worsened many of my  daily symptoms and issues !

I voted Labour this election to get the tories out, in desperation and hope that they wouldn't be as cruel ......what's next for us ? The 'WORKHOUSE' ? At this rate I wouldn't be surprised. 

How would you pay taxis and bus fairs with vouchers

Also epilepsy and personality disorders aren't a quick fix with things like this

My pip goes towards art equipment and similar types of things that focus my mind, as I was in art therapy and my therapist (one of many over 35years) suggested I have alot more sessions only to be discarded by the group that was meant to look after me because they kept cancelling appointments during COVID and said you've been discharged because we ain't seen you

I don't trust easily and being discarded again by this system sets me back every time

This system can't work, we all have different needs and they can't cater to all of them with any of the systems they aim to put in place

Disability is a easy hit, we are a burden and treated like one . 

 pensioner's back in full time employment and are yhe labour government going to cancel tv license for pensioner's over the age off 65 yrs of age, if not why would we need of a government go back on their promises and waste tax payers money purse.