Earlier this month, the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions did not rule out introducing means-testing for disability benefits in the Autumn Statement, due to be delivered on Thursday. Mel Stride could not give ‘categorical assurance’ that he would not introduce means-testing for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.
And last week, Minister for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove said that no assessment had been made of the administrative costs of introducing a means test for disability benefits. However, in response to a query from Labour MP, Marsha De Cordova this week, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) minister has now put the matter to bed with a clear, definitive response.
Mr Pursglove said: “We [DWP] have no plans to means test Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).”
He explained: “Both DLA and PIP are intended to act as a contribution towards the extra costs that arise as a result of a long-term health condition, or disability, and have been n on-means tested since they were introduced.”
The confirmation will come as welcome relief to the millions of people living with a long-term illness, physical or mental health condition, or disability who rely on the additional financial income from benefits.
However, there is still unease for people on benefits and those on State Pension as the UK Government has declined to commit to whether the annual benefits uprating, which takes effect from next April, will be based on the current inflation rate of 10.1% or by earnings.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will make the announcement during the Autumn Statement on November 17.
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