By IW Observer.co.uk
More than 10,000 people are claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) on the Isle of Wight.
Both Island constituencies have a higher proportion of working-age people claiming the key disability benefit than the national average. The Isle of Wight East constituency has 5,334 PIP claimants—representing 11.8 per cent of working-age residents compared to 8.1 per cent nationally. In Isle of Wight West 4,831 people receive the benefit – 10.1 per cent. The payments are tax-free, independent of income or savings, and do not affect eligibility for other benefits.
PIP consists of two components. The daily living payment is either £72.65 or £108.55 per week, and the mobility element is paid at £28.70 or £75.75 per week. Those receiving the higher mobility rate can use it to lease a new car every three years, which comes with insurance, servicing, MOT, and breakdown cover included. If the vehicle is electric, a home charging point is also provided. However, the Motability scheme has proved controversial recently because of its potential risk of misuse.
In Isle of Wight East 2,801 people receive the higher daily payment, while 2,565 qualify for the higher mobility rate. Meanwhile, in Isle of Wight West 2,591 receive the enhanced daily living payment, and 2,366 the higher mobility allowance.
Around 40 per cent of claims both nationally and locally are related to psychiatric disorders.
The government’s announcement that changes to PIP will make claiming the daily living component more difficult from November next year has caused concern among many current recipients, who fear their benefits may be reduced. The mobility payment element will remain unchanged.
The planned changes are part of an effort to save £5 billion annually by the end of the decade. The government has also committed to encourage people to re-enter the workforce. PIP awards are generally made for a fixed period of between one and ten years. However, a change in circumstances can trigger reassessment. For current claimants, the government intends to undertake more frequent reviews. However, those with permanent conditions or serious disabilities will no longer face reassessments.
The changes are the most controversial of a series of welfare reforms. Universal Credit will see a small increase, but people under the age of 22 will no longer be able to claim incapacity benefit.
Many of those reliant on PI say the payments are essential for maintaining their independence. While the government emphasises savings and the value of work, critics warn of the social and economic pressures these changes could create for some of the country’s most vulnerable people.
Isle of Wight Observer