A group of Members of Parliament has cautioned that delays in government processes could lead benefit claimants into poverty.
According to a report from the Public Accounts Committee, individuals are facing prolonged waits of over a year for the processing of their claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The report, released today, reveals that only 51% of PIP claims were handled within 75 working days during the 2024-25 period, falling short of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) target of 75%.
In the report, it was stated that the extended processing times for PIP claims are unacceptable, potentially leading claimants into debt and poverty, with the Department lacking a sufficient short-term improvement plan.
MPs from the Committee highlighted instances where constituents had waited over a year for their PIP claims to be processed, a situation not reflected in the DWP’s statistics but acknowledged by the DWP as a genuine concern that needs addressing.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, expressed dissatisfaction with the service disability claimants are receiving from the DWP, emphasizing the urgency for improvements to prevent constituents from falling into financial hardship.
The Committee recommended that the DWP provide detailed data on waiting times, including the longest wait recorded in 2024/25, for better transparency and accountability. PIP, the primary disability benefit aimed at assisting with additional living expenses, is provided to individuals both employed and unemployed.
Last summer, the Labour party’s opposition led to a government retreat on plans to limit eligibility for PIP, prompting a review of the benefit by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms, with results expected in the autumn.
A DWP spokesperson addressed the situation, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance support for claimants and improve the welfare system, including a modernization initiative with a significant investment.
The spokesperson emphasized the commitment to expediting PIP award decisions and the comprehensive review led by Sir Stephen Timms to ensure the benefit’s relevance and fairness for the future.
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