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Mental Health Solicitors

Mind may mount legal challenge to government’s changes to PIP for mental health patients (8 March 2017)

Date: 08/03/2017
Duncan Lewis, Mental Health Solicitors, Mind may mount legal challenge to government’s changes to PIP for mental health patients

Mental Health charity Mind has responded to government changes in the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), saying that the changes “call into question” the government’s commitment to treating mental health on a par with physical health.

The government is gradually replacing Disability Living Allowance with PIP, which is awarded to cover the extra costs that disabled people face.

In December, the court ruled that people who find it difficult to leave the house because of anxiety, panic attacks and other mental health conditions should be able to receive the higher rate of PIP.

However, the government has brought forward legislation that would prevent the court’s judgment from coming into effect.

Mind says that the changes would mean thousands of people who experience psychological distress when planning or carrying out journeys are only eligible for a lower rate of PIP.

Chief Executive of Mind, Paul Farmer, said:

“People who find it difficult to leave the house because of anxiety, panic attacks and other mental health problems are as restricted in their independence as many people with physical mobility problems – and face just as many higher costs in their daily lives as other disabled people do. The government’s changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) would affect over 160,000 people with mental health problems – both in and out of work – who have extra costs related to their disability.

“These proposed changes could prevent people accessing the financial support they need to get to health or job appointments, get out to pay for fuel and heating, take their children to school, or see friends and family – things essential to their daily lives and recovery; things essential to preventing isolation. The government says that it is committed to treating mental health as seriously as physical health, but these proposals call this commitment into question – these misguided proposals must be reversed.

“Mind is fighting hard to try to make sure the benefits system works for people with mental health problems.This includes highlighting the negative impact of sanctions, trying to get this damaging change to PIP reversed – and campaigning against the proposed £30-a-week cut to the work-related activity group (WRAG) of the out-of-work disability benefit Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Our legal team is also looking into a possible legal challenge if this legislation comes into force.”


Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.


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