I never intended that this blog of mine would be a political one. Nothing causes division quicker and more completely than politics, and I want this blog to bring people together.
However, a recent U.K. Government consultation paper called ‘Modernising support for independent living: the health and disability green paper’, which is available to read at this link, has annoyed me. For those that don’t know, a green paper is where the Government in the UK sets out plans for some new legislation that it intends to bring forth. I know the UK is soon to get a new Government if polling is correct, but a new Government may still bring it forward, so the paper still needs discussing.
What is PIP and how does it help those with mental illness?
This paper relates to changing something called PIP, or Personal Independence Payments. which is money that people can apply for to help them with the extra costs that come from being disabled. It’s not compensation for being ill, or a disabled entitlement, but help towards unavoidable costs, such as aids etc. When it was introduced in 2014 it replaced another benefit called Disability Living Allowance (DLA). What was great about the new PIP for those with mental illness was that it finally allowed for depression and anxiety related issues to be considered, whereas DLA didn’t. It also put the effects of other neurodiverse issues, such things as ADHD and Autism, into the realm of support- Or at least made it easier to get that help.
“PIP has enhanced my quality of life.”
Quote from BBC.co.uk. Source here. Accessed 26th May 2024
Now,I can only speak for people like me, but it was a welcome life-line. Finally, I could fund therapy, counselling or pay someone to do the tasks I couldn’t. It helped cover lost wages and pay for transport to hospital. For me, it paid for all the things that the NHS could not, or with waits so long as to render the resultant support meaningless.
Why do the Government say the reform is needed?
When the U.K. moved to PIP, the Government didn’t expect the bill for people with mental health issues to rocket from 2,200 claims a month in 2019 to 5,300 in 2023 and is expected to be even higher in 2024. The total bill is expected to rise by 45% to £27.4 Billion in the 2024 – 25 year. (Source Statista.com) Which is not surprising when you consider the overstretched NHS and primary care services that are routinely failing those of us that need their help. Trying to get help with psychological issues in my area of the UK is nearly impossible, and when you do it’s rationed and inadequate. Simply, there’s too many people and too little NHS. The Government wants to reform PIP to reduce this bill; by making it harder to claim, increasing the time you have to be ill, and possibly removing the cash element.
Why do I think this is a problem?
To justify this our PM said the following.
“Since 2019, the number of people claiming PIP citing anxiety or depression as their main condition, has doubled, with over 5,000 new awards on average every single month,” he said.
“But for all the challenges they face, it is not clear they have the same degree of increased living costs as those with physical conditions.”
Source www.communitycare.co.uk, accessed 26th May 2024
By starting this consultation, the Government have now introduced uncertainty to those with the least ability to tolerate it. Personally, I relied on the money to fund private therapy and other items the ailing NHS couldn’t – or wouldn’t. Replacing the cash with vouchers or a catalogue to choose from, will not help those that are forced to go to private therapy for help. Nor will it cover incidental expenses, such as paying for a support person to help you on a day out or cover their fuel costs. The list is endless.
The worrying result from this reform will be the removal of independence and choice for a large, vulnerable element of society. I know the PIP financial bill is incomprehensively huge, but it enables many people to work. For me, it meant I paid more in taxes than I claimed in PIP.
It also, coming at a time when a national election is due, seems blatant electioneering and is wrong. I’ve already seen posts on Facebook moaning about people who get money for being ill, or new cars. It seems the Government is clearly stirring up voters by trying to appear proactive.
To quote a recent BBC article that I’ve already listed.
“PIP isn’t easy to get and I think that the government has this misconception that anyone who feels a little upset sits at home one day a week is now claiming PIP – that is not it at all,” said Mrs Cole.
Pip is not easy to get, and nearly 50% of people are turned down initially.
What are the alternatives?
Now, I’m not going to whine without offering solutions. The PIP bill is huge and is more than what we spent on policing in 2023 (£25.3 BN)
A start could start by making eligibility harder. Perhaps extend the time someone must have had the extra disability costs before they can claim and extend the time they are expected to have to live with the issues. That’s currently nine months but moving it to 12 would save money.
Offer those with minor mental health conditions enhanced access to support, instead of leaving them on benefit while the NHS gets around to helping them. I’m not talking about six sessions of CBT, but proper psychological support that goes on for more than six meetings.
Finally, for those with the direst condition that will never get better, even with support. Let them have the money without having to be reassessed every few years.
Perhaps look at reducing the costs in other areas, such as unemployment and immigration to compensate. Is it right that you can sit on Universal Credit forever if you full-fill certain requirements?
In conclusion.
There are no easy answers to this one, but I do feel those of us with sub-optimum mental health are being used to score cheapish election points.
What next, bringing back the asylum system?
That’s all I’ve got to say on the topic, normal blogging will resume next time.