London weighting for PIP payments unlikely, minister says

Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms has indicated that additional payments for Londoners claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are unlikely. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Timms suggested the government's review of the benefit will concentrate on improving the assessment process, which many claimants find to be a "dehumanising" experience.

Timms explained that London weighting had not been a significant theme in the 38,000 responses received during the government's call for evidence on PIP. He stated that concerns raised by the public primarily focused on the accessibility of the benefit system itself. The current assessment process requires individuals to detail their limitations, which has been described as a "horrible experience" by many.

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The minister indicated that his upcoming report would propose a "different kind of assessment" designed to be less dehumanising, while still accurately reflecting the additional costs faced by disabled individuals. Around 4.1 million people currently claim PIP across the UK, with nearly 500,000 of these claimants residing in London. The benefit can be worth up to £843 per month.

Accessible Housing Standards

Sir Stephen Timms also highlighted the importance of building more accessible homes for disabled Londoners as part of the government's strategy to encourage people back into work. He noted that while the new London Plan mandates that 90% of new homes must meet "accessible and adaptable standards," only 23% of properties completed in 2024 met this requirement. The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has stated that the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme, running until 2036, will increase the number of accessible social and affordable homes, with 10% of new dwellings required to be wheelchair friendly.

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Critics have raised concerns about the effectiveness of current measures. Hina Bokhari, who leads the Liberal Democrats on the London Assembly, criticised both City Hall and the government for a perceived lack of data regarding London's accessible housing needs. She stated that the absence of information on current and future requirements makes it "almost impossible" to take effective action. Bokhari described inaccessible homes as a significant barrier, leading to pain and isolation for residents.

In response to these criticisms, Sir Sadiq Khan has defended his plans, reiterating that the London Plan's requirements exceed national standards. He added that the Social and Affordable Homes Programme will include mandatory reporting from investment partners on the number of accessible homes within proposed schemes and will make capital funding available to support the delivery of specialist and supported housing.