With huge thanks to all those who took the time to complete our survey, and to Daphne Hall for collating and drafting, NAWRA has submitted its response to the Timms Review of PIP. We conclude –
Overall, there was a recognition that PIP needs reforming to reflect the changing needs and demands of society. However, this needs to be done as part of a larger, more holistic review of how to remove barriers for disabled people and enable them to lead a full and active life, including both financial and other forms of support.
Key themes include –
- Developing a culture of trust and support;
- Widening the sources of evidence and providing greater weight to longitudinal evidence;
- A more holistic view of fluctuating conditions and recognition that carrying out activities can sometimes result in increased symptoms;
- Increasing transparency and improving communications;
- A fairer and more effective system to challenge decisions;
- Ensuring the availability of free and independent advice and advocacy;
- Focusing on appropriate support rather than budgets, recognising that cuts in one area often result in increased demand elsewhere.
NAWRA fully supports the involvement of people with lived experience in decisions relating to reform, but emphasises that this must be real consultation and involvement which is not then dismissed on the basis of ‘budgetary parameters’.