Local MP & former Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson, has highlighted the transformational role that Personal Independence Payments have had on supporting disabled people and those with long-term health conditions; particularly those with a mental health condition.
PIP was brought in during the last parliament and is designed to ensure that people with a disability or long-term health condition receive the most appropriate support. By working closely with individuals, PIP assessors have worked to ensure the collection of information about an individual’s condition is improved, and assessors have a better understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by disabled people and those with a long-term health condition. As a result, the percentage of people receiving the higher-rate level of support rose from 16% to 22.5%. During his time as the Minister, Justin worked to improve tailored mental health support by working with expert stakeholders and the Department of Health to improve the assessment process and increase the level of support available.
This higher-level support is even more pronounced for people with a mental health condition. Under DLA, just 22% of people received the highest level of support whereas under PIP that figure is a staggering 68%. Justin is now calling on the Government to go further. Speaking in the Commons’ chamber, he called for better signposting to tailored mental support for PIP recipients, working with the NHS, charities, and through Government pilots, to ensure that people with mental health conditions receive even better support.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “The transfer from DLA to PIP has been vital for so many disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. In particular, PIP has had a transformational effect for people with a mental health condition. Under DLA, just 22% of people received the highest level of support whereas under PIP that figure is a staggering 68%. We now need to work closely with the NHS, charities, and through Government pilots, to ensure that people with mental health conditions receive the high quality, tailored support they require. This is something I will continue to raise actively with Ministers.”
