PIP Number of Claimants 2026-01-26
2026-01-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
There were 2 million working-age personal independence payment (PIP) claimants before the pandemic, which has now increased to over 3 million and is projected to exceed 4 million by the end of the decade.
What assessment has been made of the potential implications for policies of trends in the number of claimants of the personal independence payment?
There were 2 million working-age personal independence payment (PIP) claimants before the pandemic, which has now increased to over 3 million and is projected to exceed 4 million by the end of the decade. My review will aim to make sure that PIP is fair and fit for the future.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A constituent named Darren, suffering from a congenital heart condition and other health issues, had his entitlement to personal independence payment withdrawn despite being unable to work.
One of my constituents in Abbots Langley, Darren, suffers from a very complicated congenital heart condition which significantly restricts his ability to perform everyday tasks including work. Despite that, Darren has recently had his entitlement to personal independence payment withdrawn. As Darren now awaits a heart transplant, can the Minister outline what steps his Department will take to ensure that Darren and his family receive the necessary financial support during this stressful time?
As the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, I have not seen the details of that particular case, but I would be happy to have a look at it if he would like me to. There is, of course, the opportunity for mandatory reconsideration and in due course for appeal, but I would be happy to look at those details.
▸
Assessment & feedback
I Have Not Seen The Details Of That Particular Case
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There is a strong correlation between NHS waiting lists and the number of personal independence payment (PIP) claimants.
When the data is segmented, there is a strong correlation between NHS waiting lists and the number of claimants of personal independence payments. So what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that those people who are unable to work because they are on an NHS waiting list are having their health optimised so that they can engage with employment and be fast-tracked through the system?
My hon. Friend will welcome, as I do, the dramatic record fall in waiting lists that has been recently reported, but of course we need to make further progress in reducing waiting lists and we are determined that the assessment for PIP will be fair to everybody. As I have mentioned, the steering group will meet for the first time over two days at the end of this week, and I know that everyone on that group will be focused on ensuring that we can deliver a fair system for those who need it.
▸
Assessment & feedback
My Hon. Friend Will Welcome The Dramatic Record Fall In Waiting Lists
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Half a million more people have gone on to personal independence payment since the right hon. Gentleman became Disability Minister, and the sickness benefits bill is heading up to £100 billion a year by the end of this decade.
Since the right hon. Gentleman became Disability Minister, half a million more people have gone on to PIP, and the sickness benefits bill is heading up to £100 billion a year by the end of this decade. We know that his review is not due to serve up any savings, but there must come a point where even he would say that the country cannot afford this. Does he have any ambition to make welfare savings?
We have already made some important changes. For example, we have removed a serious disincentive to work that was created in the universal credit system by the last Government. That has gone, thanks to the changes in the Universal Credit Act 2025, which finished its passage last summer. Those changes will take effect in April. We do have a broken system—the hon. Lady is absolutely right about that—but it is the system that was left behind by the last Government; and, yes, we are determined to fix it.
▸
Assessment & feedback
We Do Have A Broken System—The Hon. Lady Is Absolutely Right About That
Response accuracy