Benefit claimants are at risk of falling into poverty due to prolonged government delays, according to a group of Members of Parliament. A recent report by the Public Accounts Committee highlighted that some individuals are waiting for over a year for their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims to be processed.
The committee’s report, released today, revealed that only 51% of PIP claims were handled within 75 working days during the 2024-25 period, falling short of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) target of 75%. The committee expressed concern over the significant delays, stating that the extended waiting times could lead claimants into debt and poverty, emphasizing the lack of a proper plan by the Department to address this issue promptly.
MPs shared instances of constituents waiting excessively long for claim processing, some enduring delays of more than a year. While the DWP disputed the evidence not reflecting in its statistics, it acknowledged the genuine predicament that needed attention, as noted by the MPs.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, criticized the DWP for failing to deliver timely services, stating that disability claimants might now anticipate consistently poor assistance. Despite assurances of improvements in the past, the committee was informed that any progress was still three years away, which was deemed unsatisfactory for claimants facing financial hardships.
The committee’s recommendations included urging the DWP to furnish detailed data on waiting times, specifically highlighting the longest wait recorded in 2024/25. PIP serves as a vital disability benefit aimed at aiding individuals with extra living expenses due to challenges in daily activities, available to both employed and unemployed individuals.
Last summer, the Labour Party rebelled against proposed restrictions on PIP eligibility, prompting the government to initiate a review led by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms, expected to conclude in the autumn.
Responding to the concerns, a DWP spokesperson emphasized ongoing efforts to revamp the welfare system, ensuring claimants receive necessary support to secure stable employment and alleviate poverty. The spokesperson highlighted the deployment of around 1,000 work coaches to assist vulnerable individuals, alongside significant employment reforms as part of a comprehensive modernization program valued at £647 million.
The spokesperson reassured that the DWP aims to expedite PIP award decisions and mentioned the ongoing Timms Review, focusing on ensuring the fairness and adequacy of the PIP scheme for the future.
