New system of disability support “clearly not yet fit for purpose”

The Chief Executive of national charity, Citizens Advice has said that the new system of support for people with disabilities is “clearly not yet fit for purpose” as a new report from the National Audit Office shows that 92,000 people are yet to be assessed for support as part of the new Personal Independence Payment.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy, said:

“People who have suffered a life-changing event like battling cancer or a car crash are paying the price for a failing system. Anyone trying to cope with the trauma of serious illness or injury deserves a quick and accurate decision about the support available to them. It is totally unacceptable that as a result of the poorly thought-out new system there are 92,000 people stuck on the waiting list.

“Sadly it is not unusual to see Citizens Advice clients being forced to wait six months for their initial assessment. To put people through the ringer with drawn-out red tape increases the stress and pain of an often traumatic health condition.”

“Government was right to delay the roll-out of the new benefit but they have undone this sensible decision by ploughing ahead with a process which clearly is not yet fit for purpose. Ministers must urgently get this system on track.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.