Mel Stride, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, recently faced backlash for mistakenly stating the monthly amount of Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which he claimed could reach ‘thousands of pounds’. The Department for Work and Pensions clarified that he was referring to the annual total.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride recently faced criticism for inaccurately stating that Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can amount to “thousands of pounds” monthly. He made these comments during discussions on proposed reforms to the PIP system and repeated the claim on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. However, the maximum monthly amount receivable under PIP is approximately £798.63, not “thousands of pounds.”
The Department for Work and Pensions later clarified that Mr. Stride misspoke, indicating he intended to refer to the annual total, which can amount to “thousands of pounds.”
PIP is designed to help individuals with long-term disabilities manage extra living costs, and it consists of daily living and mobility components. The rates vary based on a recipient’s assessment. This benefit is available to those over 16 with enduring physical or mental health conditions, regardless of employment status, savings, or other benefit payments. Note that the application system in Scotland differs from that in the rest of the UK.
The secretary’s misstatement and the subsequent clarification were part of ongoing discourse regarding potential changes to the PIP system.
