The BBC reports that No. 10 policy unit head George Freeman (pictured) said Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reforms were needed to roll back what he believes are “bizarre” decisions made by tribunals.
Mr Freeman’s views came out in a BBC 5 Live interview on Pienaar’s Politics in which he discussed proposed changes to PIP, saying the changes are “actually about rolling back some bizarre decisions by tribunals that now mean benefits are being given to people who are taking pills at home, who suffer from anxiety.”
The Conservative MP for Norfolk then added “we want to make sure we get the money to the really disabled people who need it.”
The BBC News article about the events reports that Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell tweeted “this is an insult to disabled people. (George Freeman) should apologise immediately or Theresa May should make him.”
Scope Chief Executive Mark Atkinson said: “It is unhelpful to make crude distinctions between those with physical impairments and mental health issues because the kind of impairment someone has is not a good indicator of the costs they will face… many disabled people will now be anxiously waiting to hear as to whether or not these tighter rules will affect their current PIP award.”
Disabilities minister Penny Mordaunt said she was reforming the PIP payments to “restore the original aim of the benefit” to make sure support was given to the most needy.
What do you think the Conservative MP’s comments? Do you think he should apologise? Or do you agree with him? Let us know in the comments below.
