7,500 NI Pensioners Spared From PIP Assessment Reviews

Over seven thousand pensioners from Northern Ireland will no longer have to undergo repeat assessments for their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit.

The Department for Communities has confirmed it will make the change this spring to bring the region in line with the rest of the UK, meaning 7,500 pensioners will not be required to have their benefit regularly reviewed.

The Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd is to confirm the move in a speech today, 05 March.

MLA's have welcomed the news, but said the change is the first in a long line of amendments needed for the controversial system.

Alliance representative for Lagan Valley, Trevor Lunn, said the change will come as a relief to thousands who claim PIP, but concerns over the welfare provision's administration still stand.

"There is no doubt the system is creating stress and pressure upon people, with no consideration of individuals' particular circumstances or the impact PIP will have upon them," he commented. "I am hopeful this move will make life easier for thousands of people but we must remember there are real people affected behind all these statistics. The Department needs to engage with people more and in a better way, and hopefully they will then listen to the very real concerns we have about this entire issue."

Meanwhile, SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon said the "fundamentally flawed" system needs a major overhaul rather than a "few piecemeal tweaks".

Cautiously welcoming the move, the north Belfast MLA said it was a political attempt by the Conservatives to appear more compassionate.

"We welcome this move but we need to see the detail of exactly who will be impacted by this and how, including those with deteriorating conditions who deserve enhanced PIP awards," Mrs Mallon said.

"While positive, the truth is that this move is merely another attempt to tinker around the edges to give the Tory Party the veneer of taking a more 'compassionate' approach to welfare entitlement. The new welfare system is fundamentally flawed. It is hurting people rather than helping them and requires overhaul rather than piecemeal tweaking in response to legal rulings or political expediency in the Brexit war in Westminster."



(JG/CM)