Peter's Response Supreme Court ruling on Personal Independence Payments

The Supreme Court case focused on the definition of “social support” when engaging with other people face-to-face in the PIP assessment, and how far in advance that support can be provided. The judgement means that people who find social situations debilitating due to mental health conditions could now be entitled to claim PIP.

I believe that this landmark judgement by the Supreme Court should act as a serious wake-up call for the Government. I understand that many people with mental health problems can feel socially isolated and I believe the Government should be providing a social security system that supports people in need.

I am deeply concerned that the assessment framework for PIP is not fit for purpose. Indeed, according to Mind, more than 425,000 people with conditions classed as psychiatric disorders have been turned down for PIP.  I believe the Government should now scrap the cruel and discredited PIP assessment framework and replace it with one that treats disabled people with the respect they deserve and support they need.