Plea to scrap ‘discredited’ distance rule over payments

A call has been made to scrap the discredited Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 20m rule when benefit payments are devolved later this year.

Labour MSP Alex Rowley raised the issue directly with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and asked if she would commit to removing the distance requirement as part of the new system.

The rule means that if someone can walk just one step over 20m, roughly the length of two double-decker buses, they are not entitled to the higher rate of mobility support.

Mr Rowley highlighted the case of a constituent of his with multiple sclerosis who lost their higher rate mobility payment under the 20m rule assessment.

As a consequence of that, the individual lost their mobility car and had to use savings to buy another vehicle.

“Having MS is enough,” said Mr Rowley. “It shouldn’t be made harder by a welfare system that doesn’t make sense.

“The rule doesn’t take into consideration many of the fluctuating aspects of having MS.

“In the interest of dignity, fairness and respect, I hope the Scottish Government will agree to scrap that discredited rule so that all those with MS can live with dignity.”

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government was “absolutely determined” to make improvements but noted that changing eligibility could affect access to other benefits.

“We are working closely with the UK Government to ensure any changes we want to make would not put at risk access to vital UK benefits and payments that remain reserved,” she added.