Firestormm
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This success has come from a solid effort on the part of many charities I understand and will be a relief to many individuals who are rightly concerned about this new means of assessment for a disability benefit that is paid regardless of employment status
From Dr Charles Shepherd of the ME Association earlier on Facebook:
31 January 2013 – PIP assessment guidance to be further strengthened in law
How someone carries out a range of activities will be considered when their eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed, under law, Esther McVey, Minister for Disabled People, confirmed today.
The proposed addition to the regulations now means that legally individuals will be assessed on what they can do safely, reliably, repeatedly and in a reasonable time period.
Following a consultation on the regulations, it was suggested some of the criteria claimants needed to meet was unclear and didn't take into account fluctuating conditions. These amendments seek to address this.
Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey said:
"Our intention has always been the same - we want to target support at those who need it most.The addition to the regulations formalises the current wording included in draft PIP guidance.
We have always said that we will not just look at whether individuals can carry out activities but also the manner in which they do so.
"I know that disabled people and their representatives feel strongly that this important concept is set out in law and I am happy to do this."
A draft amending regulation has been published today. A final Regulation will be laid once the PIP regulations currently being considered by Parliament are made but before they come into force in April.
From Dr Charles Shepherd of the ME Association earlier on Facebook:
"The Minister has taken note of the strong representations that have been made by the charities, including the way in which reliably, repeatedly, safely in a timely manner could be incorporated into PIP legislation.
This has been a collaborative effort 'behind the scenes' involving members of the Fluctuating Conditions Group* and the Mental Health Group."
[*MS Society, NAT (National AIDS Trust), Parkinson’s UK, Forward ME, Arthritis Care, and Crohn’s and Colitis UK]