The number of individuals receiving sickness handouts has increased by 300,000 during Keir Starmer's first year in office, coinciding with a halving of face-to-face welfare assessments under the Labour government. Data obtained through Freedom of Information requests indicates that 81 percent of paper-based reviews for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are approved, compared to only 42 percent of assessments conducted in person.
This trend has drawn criticism from opposition figures who argue that the system is being exploited and support is not reaching those most in need. Shadow work and pensions spokesman Helen Whately stated that a steep rise in claims, coupled with a decline in face-to-face assessments, suggests the system is not functioning correctly. She called for the restoration of proper in-person assessments to ensure benefits go to genuinely eligible recipients.
Figures acquired by the Conservative Party reveal that face-to-face assessments have decreased from 8 percent of all assessments to 4.8 percent, accounting for less than one in twenty initial decisions on claims. Assessments can be conducted in person, over the phone, via video, or through paper-based reviews.
Lee Anderson, chairman of Reform UK, characterized the ease of claiming benefits as "absolute madness," asserting that the government is aware of the system's flaws and the escalating welfare bill but is opting to make it easier for individuals to remain on benefits without regular scrutiny.
Labour had pledged to increase the proportion of face-to-face PIP assessments to 30 percent. However, official figures suggest minimal progress toward this goal. Furthermore, new regulations implemented from June 2 have extended the review period for PIP claims to a minimum of four years for most claimants aged 25 and over.