PIP and Universal Credit moves ‘damaging’ for people in these UK areas | Personal Finance | Finance
Changes to PIP and Universal Credit could have a particularly “damaging” effect on people in certain parts of the country, an MP has warned.
North Norfolk MP Steff Aquarone spoke in Parliament as MPs debated a bill that would cut the health-related element of Universal Credit for some claimants and which had previously set out plans to tighten the eligibility rules for PIP (Personal Independence Payment).
The Liberal Democrat MP warned that people in coastal areas such as the one he represents could be especially impacted by the changes. He said: “On the face of the bill as it stands will be really damaging to our coastal regions.”
He further explained: “Some of the highest rates of PIP claims are in coastal communities, as are some of the highest rates of unemployment. Considerably above-average rates of sickness, poor health and lower quality of life are found in coastal communities.
“If the Government press ahead with such blunt changes without supporting more people into work first, it could be catastrophic for communities all around our coastline.”
Mr Aquarone also called on the Government to “focus on supporting employment opportunities in our coastal communities by investing in our tourism and hospitality sectors, supporting training and development opportunities, and fixing our broken transport system”.
Labour MP Gill German, who represents Clywd North in Wales, spoke about some of the work being done in her area, which includes coastal regions.
He said: “I am pleased that some of the barriers he has highlighted are in fact being addressed in my coastal community through the work there that has now been chosen as a trailblazer.
“Transport is one of those barriers, and the organisation working in Clywd North will break down transport barriers by finding routes and ways for people to get into training and work, and by paying for their transport as well.
“I know that the trailblazers are looking to roll that out countrywide at the end of the process.”
What are the proposed changes to PIP?
The original bill included measures to tighten the eligiblity for PIP (Personal Independence Payment). The benefit supports people who are affected by a long-term health condition or disability, with the payments helping cover their extra costs.
The benefit includes a daily living part and a mobility part with a lower and higher rate depending on your level of need.
Ministers had planned to bring in a new eligibility rule to qualify for the daily living part, meaning you would need to score at least one 4 on one of the daily living activities to get this element.
But after pressure from MPs opposing the plans, the Government decided to put off making any change to the qualifying rules until a review of PIP, which is currently underway, has been completed.
