National AIDS Trust responds the publication of the second independent review of PIP
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today published the second of two planned independent reviews of the implementation of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The Review was lead by Paul Gray CB (the Gray Review).
NAT submitted evidence to the independent review, based on our research into the experiences of people living with HIV who have been assessed for PIP.
Sarah Radcliffe, Director of Policy and Campaigns at NAT, said: “The rollout of personal independence payment has been a cause of anxiety for many people living with HIV who need help meeting the costs of living with serious health problems. We welcome the Independent Review’s focus on improving the quality of face-to-face assessments and increasing transparency in the process. We are not confident that the functional impact of HIV and the support needs of people living with HIV are always understood by assessors and decision-makers.
The Independent Review was tasked with looking at implementation of PIP to date. This is only half of the problem. The PIP assessment criteria and rules have not been subject to scrutiny or review, despite ongoing concerns about how accurate they are in identifying those who need support. Yet the Government is currently rushing through emergency legislation making changes to some of the rules, without consultation. The recommendations made by the Independent Review today need to form part of a broader conversation about how PIP can be made to work for the needs of people living with HIV and others.”
Notes to editors:
- NAT has published a suite of practical resources about HIV and PIP including
For interviews or further comment please email our Senior Communications Officer Charlie Alderwick on charlie.alderwick@nat.org.uk or call 020 7814 6727
About NAT
NAT (National AIDS Trust) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expertise and practical resources. We champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change.
Shaping attitudes. Challenging injustice. Changing lives.