MPs criticize flawed benefit assessment policy for disabled

MPs are expressing serious concerns about a benefits assessment used by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). They say this system is making it harder for disabled people to get financial support and is linked to rising mental health issues, including suicides. Nine MPs, including three from the Labour party, have backed a motion that describes the work capability assessment as "fatally flawed." They urge the government to set up an independent panel to investigate deaths associated with DWP policies. The work capability assessment decides how much people can work and what support they need. This week, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced plans to reform benefits to help more people return to work. These changes will include getting rid of the work capability assessment, but this won’t take effect until 2028. The government plans to replace it with a new system that will evaluate individuals based on how their disabilities affect daily living rather than their ability to work. This new assessment will be linked to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which offers financial support to people with health conditions or disabilities. However, the reforms also include stricter rules for qualifying for PIP. Claimants must now score at least four on one of ten daily living activities to receive support. Currently, the requirement is a total score of eight across all activities. The MPs warn that the disabled community feels threatened by potential cuts to welfare programs, which could lead to more suffering.