Now Labour’s favourite think tank admits one in six people on PIP disability benefits don’t need them
The Resolution Foundation says the cost of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is rising unsustainably and argues that around one in six recipients could stop receiving cash support. Its proposals add to expectations that the Government may restrict eligibility as it considers reforming the benefit.
The think tank surveyed 2,611 PIP recipients: 16 per cent said their disability brought no additional costs, rising to 21 per cent among 16 to 24-year-olds who reported little limitation and no extra costs. PIP claimants in England and Wales reached 4.1 million in July, and the annual bill is forecast to reach £34.5 billion by 2030. The Foundation estimates that removing cash payments from about 670,000 people could save up to £4.4 billion a year by 2029-30; it also proposes more frequent check-ins and one-off grants for home adaptations.
- The Resolution Foundation says one in six PIP recipients may not need cash support.
- It forecasts the annual PIP bill will reach £34.5 billion by 2030.
- Its proposed changes could save up to £4.4 billion a year.
New here? Start with this
Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, is a UK benefit for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities. It is intended to help with extra costs, such as getting around or managing daily tasks, and is separate from income-based support.
The Resolution Foundation is a research organisation that studies living standards and public policy. It surveyed PIP recipients about the extra costs and limitations they experience, and argues that some cash payments could be replaced or withdrawn. The Government is considering changes to disability benefits, so the debate concerns how support should be targeted and paid for.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of tighter PIP eligibility argue that a rapidly rising bill needs to be sustainable, and that payments should be focused on people whose disabilities create significant additional costs. The survey suggests some recipients report no extra costs or little limitation, so reassessment and more tailored support, including grants for adaptations, could direct public money where it has greater impact.
The case against
Critics argue that reporting no additional costs in a survey does not establish that someone is ineligible: PIP recognises the varied effects of disability, which may not be captured by a simple measure of extra spending or limitation. Removing support from hundreds of thousands could leave people less able to manage daily life, while more frequent checks may add uncertainty and administrative burdens for disabled people.