Stopping Pip for ADHD or autism would not make big savings, says thinktank
Resolution Foundation says ‘crude changes’ to benefits system would probably make it harder for people to work Banning people with anxiety, ADHD or autism from claiming disability
By The Guardian
People with anxiety disorders, ADHD or autism should not be excluded from Personal Independence Payment (PIP) simply because of their diagnosis, the Resolution Foundation has warned.
The thinktank said such a change would not deliver major savings and could make it harder for people to find work, remain in employment and take part in society.
It described proposals to link PIP eligibility to specific mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions as “crude changes” aimed at meeting unrealistic savings targets.
The foundation said most people receiving PIP have more than one condition. These can include combinations of physical, mental health and behavioural conditions, making diagnosis-based restrictions difficult to apply fairly.
PIP is intended to help working-age people with long-term health conditions or disabilities meet extra costs associated with daily living or mobility.
The Resolution Foundation’s analysis suggested that more accurate targeting of support could save about £4.4 billion a year. It said around one in six working-age PIP recipients—approximately 670,000 people—could potentially lose cash support if they reported having no additional disability-related costs.
The thinktank argued that any reform should focus on people’s individual needs and extra costs rather than removing eligibility for particular conditions.
Department for Work and Pensions figures reported by the BBC show that about 106,000 people in England and Wales were receiving PIP with ADHD recorded as their main condition in July.
The warning comes as the Government considers changes to disability benefits and separately examines mental health, ADHD and autism services. Recent government proposals include tighter oversight of ADHD and autism assessments, with plans to work towards making all diagnostic assessments regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
The Resolution Foundation said changes to PIP should be designed carefully so they do not reduce support for people who need help to work or remain in work.