transfer from DLA to PIP will not cause more work for disability charities, says minister for disabled people

yesterday in parliament -

‘John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will consider providing additional financial support to disability charities for the purposes of managing any additional workload as a result of the transfer to personal independence payments. [133285]

We will continue to work with disability charities to support them with their preparations for the introduction of personal independence payment. We will also continue to support Disabled People’s User Led Organisations (DPULO) in order for them to become stronger more sustainable organisations through our DPULO programme.’

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm130109/text/130109w0002.htm#13010973000019

I wish that I did not believe she said that.

It is clearly possible for them not to believe anything they do not want to believe.

I guess though that when it is possible for a person to believe that they are on a divine mission to help the poor through cutting benefits then it is really possible to believe whatever you want.

It also flies in the face of what was said in Parliament in evidence before the Work and Pensions Select Committee by Ministers…(allbeit, to do with a different benefit).

Government commits to extra funds for advice sector with introduction of universal credit (perhaps?)

Is it also possible they believe DM’s will always get PIP decisions right first time?

I’m already convinced they believe the (currently only available printed in invisible ink) ‘Tell us your story’ questionairre will be so simple to complete no one will need help with completing it. And of course the caller centre staff will know everything about PIP and how to sort out any problem with a claim and ....

And every claimant will always be able to tell anyone whose interested which of the mere handful of disability benefits that will exist for the next umpteen years they actually receive / claimed.

It made me think of plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose

Ah those were the days - hmmm ... didn’t they include a compulsory revision before appeal too?

It is ridiculous to believe that there will not be extra work caused by this and all the other Welfare reforms. One only has to look at the ESA/Incapacity Benefit debacle. The government know many long-term recipients of DLA will have their award cut or lost altogether, (why else would they do it?). History shows that a large percentage of those will appeal and appeals are time consuming all round. More time = more work (simple maths)

further question and answer on this in parliament yesterday -

‘John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 9 January 2013, Official Report, column 326W, on personal independence payment, what the evidential basis is for his statement that his Department does not believe that disability charities will have to manage additional workloads. [137536]

Esther McVey: The introduction of personal independence payment does not introduce a statutory burden on charities, business or civil society organisations. We are aware that claimants may seek advice from voluntary sector organisations and recognise the valuable support charities provide. That is why throughout the design and development of personal independence payment we have put claimants and disability organisations, including charities, at the heart of our reforms. As stated in my reply of 9 January 2013, Official Report, column 326W, we will continue to work with charities supporting disabled people to help them prepare for the introduction of personal independence payment and beyond.’

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm130122/text/130122w0002.htm#13012263000046

That is not an answer.