Benefit system concerns to be raised by Durham MP

One of the support systems for some of the poorest families in the North East will come under the spotlight later.

Personal Independence Payments are a benefit that provide support for people who are disabled and suffer from long-term illnesses.

However, concerns have been raised over the effectiveness of the system - and all 1.6 million claims are set to be reviewed because of a high court ruling that said changes to the system were unfair to people with mental health problems.

John Marshall, from Newcastle, receives the benefit alongside his partner and child and he says that he's lost more than £1,000 because of it.

Support centres - such as Vinnie's cafe in Newcastle, which serves hot meals to those who are struggling, continue to receive more and more customers who need the food, as well as access to support that might help them get back into work.

Sue Hawker is the regional manager there, she says that demand has grown from around 16 people attending, when it first started last year, to a record 91 this week.

A DWP spokesperson said:

“We’re absolutely committed to ensuring that disabled people and people with mental health conditions get the support that they need. PIP is a modern, dynamic and fairer benefit than the former DLA and focuses the most support on those experiencing the greatest barriers to living independently. Approximately 66% of PIP recipients with mental health conditions receive the higher rate of the benefit, compared to just 22% under DLA.

“Following this judgment, we’ll write to those who may be entitled to a higher rate of PIP, and any payments will be backdated to the effective date in each individual claim. Supporting people with mental health conditions remains a top priority, which is why we commissioned two expert-led reviews and have invested a record £11.6bn into mental health services."