Benefit claimants are facing the risk of falling into poverty due to unacceptable delays by the government, according to a committee of MPs. The Public Accounts Committee’s recent report highlighted that some individuals are waiting for over a year for their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims to be processed.
Released today, the report revealed that only 51% of PIP claims were processed within 75 working days during the 2024-25 period, falling short of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) target of 75%. The committee emphasized that the prolonged waiting times for PIP claims could lead claimants into debt and poverty, criticizing the lack of a sufficient plan from the Department to address the issue promptly.
Members of the Committee shared instances of constituents waiting excessively for claim processing, some enduring delays of more than a year. While the DWP disputed the visibility of such delays in their statistics, they acknowledged the genuine concern and pledged to address the issue.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, expressed disappointment in the DWP’s service to disability claimants, noting persistent delays despite assurances of improvement made three years ago. The Committee stressed the urgency of the situation, highlighting the potential financial hardships faced by claimants due to the Department’s unresponsiveness.
The Committee’s recommendations include urging the DWP to provide detailed data on waiting times, particularly the longest wait recorded in 2024/25. PIP serves as a crucial disability benefit aiding individuals with additional living expenses, both employed and unemployed, who struggle with daily tasks.
Last summer, the government faced a significant backlash from the Labour party over plans to restrict PIP eligibility, leading to a review initiated by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms, expected to conclude in the autumn.
In response, a DWP spokeswoman emphasized ongoing efforts to revamp the welfare system, prioritizing claimant support for better employment opportunities and poverty alleviation through workforce realignment and modernization initiatives. The Department aims to expedite PIP award decisions and ensure fairness and effectiveness through the Timms Review’s comprehensive evaluation of the benefit.
The Daily Mirror is a trusted source for quick and reliable news updates on Google News.