In response to the Guardian's editorial on disability benefits, readers have shared their perspectives on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) review led by Sir Stephen Timms, emphasizing the need for reform and the importance of language.
Automatic PIP for Longstanding Mental Illness
Susan Randall, speaking as a contributor to the Timms review on behalf of family carers, fully supports a substantial revision of the PIP assessment process. She describes the current assessment as daunting for those justifiably applying for support. While investment in work participation for young people with mental health problems is necessary, Randall stresses that attention must focus on those with longstanding, serious mental illness who have no realistic hope of entering the workforce. Their PIP award should be automatic upon receipt of required medical evidence, and their case should not be an area to limit entitlement. She notes that they would love to be mentally unchallenged and able to work, but since that is not feasible, they need all the support available to make their difficult lives more bearable.
Rejecting the Term 'Welfare'
Ruth Lister, Labour member of the House of Lords, argues that social security spending should be seen as investment in independence and participation, not a target for cuts. She criticizes the use of the American term 'welfare', which connotes a miserable residual scheme for the stigmatized 'other'. Lister calls on journalists and politicians to use the term 'social security' instead, as a decent system reduces poverty and pressures on other arms of the welfare state, and should be a priority for any government committed to social justice.
Inclusion of Benefit Recipients in Policy Design
Luke Howard from London points out that Sir Stephen Timms, despite his experience, has never been dependent on benefits to afford work or meet basic needs. Howard insists that 'nothing about us without us' should define discussions of the benefits system. While Timms's view of PIP as an enabling benefit is an improvement, the system's structure and operation must be informed by the experiences of those dependent on benefits to prevent procedural and bureaucratic barriers from hindering recipients.
Link Between Covid-19 and Disability
Katie Medd from Devon highlights that the Timms review coverage omitted the link between Covid-19 infections and rising disability levels. She describes Covid-19 as one of the largest mass-disabling events in modern history, with decades-long neglect of post-viral illnesses leading to woeful lack of research funding, underestimation of long-lasting devastation, and no cures. Medd warns that post-Covid conditions must not be erased from the narrative.
