Andy Burnham told to cut PIP in DWP overhaul as 'public finances look difficult' ahead of Budget
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TL;DR
- Economist Paul Johnson urges PM Andy Burnham to cut Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
- Spending on working age sickness and disability benefits has risen significantly, projected to reach £78 billion by 2030.
- PIP claimant numbers have increased from 3.6 million to four million.
- Johnson suggests tightening eligibility criteria for PIP and potentially increasing capital gains tax or reducing stamp duty.
- DWP claims caseload growth has slowed and they are reforming the PIP system.