Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Acknowledged
We welcome the plans outlined in the Government’s Health and Disability White Paper to test...
Recommendation
We welcome the plans outlined in the Government’s Health and Disability White Paper to test specialist assessors and to address the challenges of assessing fluctuating conditions. But we were disappointed that there do not appear to be wider plans to overhaul descriptors. We request that the Government confirm in response to this Report whether it is still reviewing the descriptors, and if not, what evidence it has found that those currently in use are fit for purpose. (Paragraph 78) Decision-making
Government Response Summary
The Department states that the PIP assessment criteria were developed with independent specialists, focus on needs arising from a comprehensive range of conditions, and consider an individual’s ability over a 12-month period, and they will test the introduction of a new Health Impact Record.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The PIP assessment criteria were developed in collaboration with independent specialists in health, social care and disability, including disabled people, and were subject to a comprehensive public consultation. They focus on needs arising from a comprehensive range of conditions, including physical, sensory, cognitive and mental health, rather than the condition itself and ensure the greatest level of support goes to those least able to carry out the activities. The proportion of PIP recipients with a mental health condition getting the top rates of support is six times higher compared to Disability Living Allowance. The PIP assessment does not just consider whether an individual can complete an activity, but the manner in which they can do it. An individual is assessed by their ability to complete each assessment activity reliably; “safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time period”. Application of the reliability criteria is audited as part of the Department’s monitoring of the quality of assessments. The PIP criteria consider an individual’s ability over a 12-month period, ensuring that fluctuations are taken into account. It is essential for the assessment to accurately reflect the impact of variations in an individual’s level of impairment. As part of a commitment to ongoing improvements, the Department will test at a small scale this year the introduction of a new Health Impact Record. This will give people the option of a structured way to present evidence that demonstrates the changing impact of their health condition(s).