DWP offers olive branch over PIP and Universal Credit cuts but 'with a catch' Personal Independence Payment (PIP) cuts are NOT on the agenda. DWP offers olive branch over PIP and Universal Credit cuts but 'with a catch' The Department for Work and Pensions has opened up a consultation into its planned reforms - but with a catch: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) cuts are NOT on the agenda. Campaigners have called the conversation a ‘sham’ as people are invited to discuss only half of the proposals. S everal of the policies will not be included in the consultation, the DWP ‘Pathways to Work’ green paper reveals. ‌ Article continues below The freeze to the rate the Universal Credit health element for existing claimants, and the move to nearly halve it for new claimants, will not be included. READ MORE UK tourists warned 13 items banned from UK even if bought in duty-free It means claimants will not be asked to discuss the changes at any of the sessions. In total, only half of the 22 policies proposed in the package will be in the scope of the conversations. ‌ Labour Party MP Sir Stephen Timms said: “We inherited a broken welfare system, which incentivises ill-health, locks people out of work and isn’t fit for a future in which so many of us will face long-term health conditions. “We want a system that genuinely works for disabled people and those with health conditions, as well as the country and the economy, and we want to hear their views and voices at the heart of the new system. “I encourage people to engage so they can have their say as we listen, learn and deliver support which will help millions into work, put welfare spending on a more sustainable path, and unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.” ‌ An open letter signed by 21 groups - Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) Forum - has raised “serious concerns with the human rights implications” of the consultation. “In short, the consultation is essentially a sham – it removes our rights as Disabled people to take part in civic society,” they have fumed. They called on the DWP to “ensure that all proposals are open to consultation and public scrutiny, and reissue consultation questions which cover all policy proposals within the paper (not just those that DWP have chosen to include).” A DWP spokesperson said: “We have set out a sweeping package of reforms to health and disability benefits to make urgent changes so people are genuinely supported into work, while putting the welfare system on a more sustainable footing, so that the safety net is always there to protect those who need it most. Article continues below “The publication of all accessible versions triggered the start of the official consultation, providing everyone with 12 weeks to respond. We encourage people to engage with the consultation, so a wide range of voices are reflected in the responses we receive.”