High Court gives green light to PIP legal challenge

[Lima6MCT]

The "We Are Spartacus" disability campaigning group have just put out a press release (full info here: wearespartacus.org.uk/pip-c... ) :

"The High Court has today granted permission for a full hearing of the judicial review challenge to the government’s introduction of more stringent qualifying criteria for mobility benefit.

Steven Sumpter can only walk a few metres with a stick and is otherwise dependent on a wheelchair. He was assessed as eligible for the high rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) last year and has used this to lease a Motability car. Along with thousands of others, he fears that he may lose this benefit under the new Regulations (1). Under the DLA scheme, a person is entitled to the higher rate if they are ‘unable or virtually unable to walk’. Usually claimants are considered to be virtually unable to walk if they cannot walk more than 50m. Under the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme, the relevant distance is reduced to 20m.

Karen Ashton from Public Law Solicitors who represents Mr Sumpter said:

“I am very pleased that the court has found that this case deserves a full hearing. The higher rate of mobility benefit can make an extraordinary difference to a disabled person’s life. But the Government failed to mention the reduction to 20m in their consultations and so those who might be affected did not have the chance to put their case and explain how devastating the consequences will be.” . . . "

[hamble99b]

good to hear. thanks for sharing it Lima.

sandra.

[tettridge]

Hi

Thank you for the information, it is nice to know there are those rooting for us, as we would be unable to fight this on our own.

Kindest regards

Terry

[Teddysmum43]

That's good news thanks for sharing.x

[aveburystone]

I do believe in the power of prayer and that God is good.....even to disabled people.