Benefit claimants face the risk of falling into poverty due to significant delays by the government, as highlighted by a group of MPs. According to the latest report from the Public Accounts Committee, some individuals are enduring wait times exceeding a year for the processing of their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims.
The report, released today, reveals 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 detrimental impact of prolonged processing times on claimants, leading to financial difficulties and potential poverty, emphasizing the lack of an effective short-term improvement plan by the Department.
Members of the Committee shared instances of constituents facing extensive delays in claim processing, some waiting for over a year. While the DWP disputed the prevalence of such delays in its statistics, MPs acknowledged the genuine issue that demanded urgent attention.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, criticized the DWP for failing to deliver promised improvements within the expected timeframe, leaving disability claimants at the mercy of inadequate service. The Committee urged the DWP to furnish detailed data on waiting times, including the longest recorded wait in 2024/25, emphasizing the critical role of PIP in supporting individuals with disabilities in meeting additional living expenses.
Last summer, the government faced a significant backlash from the Labour Party over proposed restrictions on PIP eligibility, prompting a review led by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms. The review, expected to conclude in the autumn, aims to ensure the fairness and effectiveness of the PIP system.
In response, a DWP spokeswoman emphasized ongoing efforts to reform the welfare system, redirecting resources to support marginalized groups in securing stable employment and escaping poverty. The department is committed to expediting PIP award decisions and is actively engaging in the comprehensive Timms Review to enhance the future sustainability of the benefit scheme.