PIP changes 'not being consulted on' and how to have your say on others

The Pathways to Work green paper is currently open for consultation, with the government keen to "hear views from a wide group of people, in particular disabled people and people with health conditions and disability organisations". However, certain aspects of the Bill are not included in this consultation.

The most poignant of which is changes to assessments for Personal Independence Payments (PIP). This includes the new four point requirement set to be introduced in November 2026. Under this proposal, individuals applying for PIP or having their award reviewed after this date will need to score at least four points in any single category in the daily living assessment.

This component of PIP alone can be worth up to £110.40 per week.

Also excluded from the consultation is the proposed "rebalancing" of Universal Credit, which involves reducing the health element and increasing the standard allowance.

However, other aspects of the reform are open for feedback as the government seeks the best ways to support people during these changes. The deadline for the consultation is currently set for June 30.

This consultation provides an opportunity for individuals to express their opinions on topics such as:

• How to improve the experience of the health and care system for people who are claiming Personal Independence Payment who would lose entitlement
• What further steps could the Department for Work and Pensions take to make sure the benefit system supports people to try work
• If 18 is an appropriate age to start offering adult disability benefits

There are also a variety of public consultation events taking place across the UK. Details can be found on the Gov.uk website.

The daily living assessment evaluates how safely, quickly and efficiently you can perform 10 daily activities. Each activity carries a different number of points, ranging from six to 12.

The number of points you receive depends on how safely, quickly and efficiently you can carry out the activity. Your points for all the activities are totalled to determine your score.

According to Turn2Us, you currently need to score at least eight points to qualify for the standard daily living rate and if you score 12 or more, you may be eligible for the enhanced rate. The changes will mean that people will still have to achieve these minimum scores to qualify, but they will now also need to score at least four points in a single activity.

In essence, to claim PIP in the future, individuals will need to demonstrate a higher level of impairment in at least one category. For most categories, four points are awarded if you can only perform the activity with the assistance of another person or specialised aid.

Activities included in the daily living assessment are:

• Preparing food
• Eating and drinking
• Managing your treatments
• Washing and bathing
• Using the toilet and managing incontinence
• Dressing and undressing
• Talking, listening and understanding
• Reading
• Socialising with others
• Managing money