Disability assessment

SIR – New rules to restrict Personal Independence Payments (PIP) fly in the face of the Government’s previous pledges to make sure disabled people receive the support they need.

PIP assessments have already had a devastating impact. More than one in five people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have lost access to some or all of their mobility support after being reassessed during the shift from Disability Living Allowance. Too often, people are relying on appeals to correct inaccurate decisions.

The decision to introduce these new rules overturns two tribunal rulings – one of which states that criteria for mobility support should take into account “psychological distress”. People with long-term physical conditions can often experience mental health difficulties alongside, or as a result of, their physical symptoms. Cognitive difficulties, stress, and anxiety are common symptoms of MS.

Any changes to PIP must recognise the reality of living with an unpredictable condition like MS. Michelle Mitchell Chief Executive, MS Society London NW2 SIR – I sat for a number of years as a tribunal appeals member, and saw the need for a change in policy to prevent awards being misplaced.

The principal fault lies with the Department for Work and Pensions, which replaced the adult Disability Living Allowance with PIP, thus opening the floodgates for benefit applications not previously admitted.

The Government must ensure that tribunal members are selected to ensure that activism in either politics or the disability lobby is a bar to appointment.

The age limit for PIP should also be examined. It is unavailable for applicants over 65 and thus not in line with the state retirement pension age. Ken Orme Bootle, Lancashire