EXCLUSIVE: Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed sweeping changes to the welfare system aimed at saving £5billion per annum as daily living element of PIP is to be targeted by the Labour Government
18:15, 26 Mar 2025Updated 18:20, 26 Mar 2025
PIP expert James Merrell warned of ‘profound’ impacts(Image: jamesmerrellofficial1/Tiktok)
Currently, applicants need to undergo an assessment to determine how safely, quickly and efficiently they can perform 10 daily activities and can qualify with a score of one or two across a number of categories. However, under the proposed changes, a score of least four points in one activity and eight overall is needed to attain the lower payment – while 12 will be needed for the upper band.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the changes in the Commons(Image: House of Commons/AFP via Getty I)
James Merrell, who previously assessed PIP applicants, told the Daily Star the changes could have “profound” impacts on claimants with mental health issues and conditions that cause intermittent pain or fatigue. He said: “While the changes themselves largely mirror previous announcements, the shift to a 4-point system in assessing one activity is particularly concerning.
“This could have a profound impact on claimants, especially those with fluctuating conditions or those who may have previously received points for activities that now won’t qualify under the new framework. For instance, individuals with mental health issues, or those with conditions that cause intermittent pain or fatigue, may now find it harder to qualify for the necessary support.”
The boss of CWS Limited, which helps claimants through the PIP process, added that the changes will likely make the application process more complex. He said: “Another area that might resonate with claimants is the increased complexity of the application process.
“With the changes coming in, many people will face additional paperwork, which could disproportionately affect those who are already vulnerable. Many claimants, especially older or disabled individuals, struggle with navigating forms or gathering the required evidence let alone support.
James Merrell helps PIP claimants through the application process and was a PIP assessor previously(Image: jamesmerrellofficial1/Tiktok)
“This could lead to even more stress, delays, and ultimately, denials for those who need help the most.”
The changes could also add to the workload on already overstretched healthcare professionals. The qualified nurse with over a decade of experience said: “There’s also the issue of the burden on health professionals.
“With the expanded use of medical evidence to support claims, healthcare workers may feel more pressure to provide detailed reports, which could add to delays and create more strain on an already overstretched system as they may be expected to document about the claimants function which let’s face it many Drs or specialists don’t really know about for their patients.
“They just understand the medical side of things,” he added.
