Kendall to overhaul disability benefits assessment process

Liz Kendall is to begin an overhaul of the disability benefit assessment process long decried by campaigners as cruel, calling on groups to engage with the changes amid criticism of the government's welfare cuts.

- Jessica Elgot

The work and pensions secretary said yesterday she was beginning the process of abolishing the work capability assessment and was overhauling the process to apply for the personal independence payment (Pip) - which can be paid to those in or out of work - to form a single assessment process.

Kendall said the changes would involve significant consultation with people with disabilities.

Several MPs have been highly critical of the government's decision not to consult on drastic changes to eligibility for Pip and the top-ups to universal credit (UC) for those who cannot work because of disability. Her announcement comes days after 42 Labour MPs signed a letter to the Guardian calling for a pause to the welfare changes, which campaigners have warned will push thousands of people into poverty.

The MPs said they could not support the green paper in its current form. Several MPs told Kendall last week they remained deeply concerned about the impact of the cuts.