Liz Kendall - refuses again to rule out a voucher scheme

JonnycJonny

Liz Kendall has again refused to rule out a voucher system as part of PIP reform - according to the i newspaper.

We must continue to resist and protest.

Posted this to inform & empower our Community - not to sensationalise our plight.

https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/cabinet-minister-not-rule-out-replacing-pip-vouchers-3378635

worried33

Reeve already ruled this out live on LBC, so if vouchers get introduced it would be a U turn.

Although I think the bigger issue of those proposed PIP reforms, was all the changes to the descriptors and the requirement to require a clinical diagnosis, those were much bigger issues, as whether they use vouchers or not is meaningless if you no longer qualify.
"They are expected to review the eligibility criteria for PIP to reduce the pool of people who can claim the benefit" Yet that is being ignored and people keep going on about vouchers instead.

Everyone knows my feelings for Kendall at this point, horrible behaviour, not wanting to reveal anything, as she doesnt want to be challenged or criticised.

Jimm_Alumni

This headline is a little hyperbolic I think. In general government ministers do not like to specifically rule things out because of how things can change. If the chancellor has already ruled it out I would be surprised if the DWP minister is giving it serious thought. Given what has been said though it seems like they are taking the concerns around vouchers seriously. I also agree with @worried33 that the extreme solution of vouchers, which seems highly unlikely to actually happen, is being talked about so much more than things that are more likely to happen. Such as changes in criteria and assessments.

Below are her actual words when asked about vouchers by the i.

“I was very struck particularly by the comments people made around shifting support to vouchers and where many organisations said their real concern was that it took away people’s autonomy and particularly when services are so stretched and tight,” Kendall said.“I will be putting forward our own proposals to reform sickness and disability benefits,” she added. “But based on those clear principles getting the decisions right first time, early intervention, genuine support to help people into work, [and to] help people live fulfilling and independent lives.

I know that Scope has been in contact with the government on this, and we will continue to argue against such reforms. Hopefully we will see what this new government proposes to do soon.

worried33

I am glad you agree Jimm, I cant see vouchers happening, but I expect eligibility tweaking is very much on the table. Since you confirmed Scope seems to be managing to get engagement, I hope they will argue against eligibility cuts.

JonnycJonny

I feel the real issue here is that her failure to rule out categorically the voucher scheme is leaving the most vulnerable in our society ( members of this Community ) on an emotional / financial rollercoaster.

Changes to eligibility & conditionality can reasonably be anticipated in the Spring announcement - but a voucher scheme that would represent an enormous change to the current disability benefits system ( a cultural and societal change ) should not be left dangling as an option if is 'highly unlikely' to be implemented.

Jimm_Alumni

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/940550#Comment_940550

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whistles

Surely they cut costs by changing people from dla to pip, didn't that save enough?

Ironside1990

A lot of DWP members don't want this to happen, as they say loads of disabled people will die and it'll also mean job losses at the DWP.

whistles

It's interesting that the gutter press have brought this up again. All the "Live" online sites.

PIP is to enable independence, how one person uses the money to gain that is going to be individual to that person.

However if they do start to bring in voucher credits it will mean it's the same as the direct payments where there is a separate account and you do have to prove and show that the money has been spent on what's been agreed.

Ironside1990

I think it's best not to worry and wait until we hear from the horse's mouth. The DWP are supposed to be in court next month because of their treatment of vulnerable people. If this goes in our favour, they'll have to behave themselves. There is too much at stake. Both from our side and the DWP.

worried33

Labour use the same terms and have the same attitude, I dont understand the bias and trust towards Labour on here, they introduced LHA, ESA and were talking about LCWRA changes nearly 2 years ago.

Not doing things the same way is probably just different descriptor changes, time table that sort of thing.

Ironside1990

I think changing PIP to vouchers will be a death sentence for many disabled people. The fact that we have to wait until next year to find out, only adds to the anxiety.