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Need to know
A senior figure advising reforms to the PIP system has made the recommendations
Controversial proposals to reform UK child disability benefit – what you need to know
- A senior adviser on major reforms to the UK benefits system has called for Disability Living Allowance to be withdrawn from children with three specific medical conditions.
- The Policy Exchange report, co-authored by Jean-André Prager, targets behavioural disorders, hyperkinetic syndrome (primarily ADHD), and learning difficulties including autism and Down’s syndrome. Child DLA currently costs UK taxpayers £5.3 billion annually, representing 231% of pre-pandemic levels.
- The number of children receiving DLA has nearly tripled from 314,000 in 2010 to 915,000 in 2026. Since the pandemic, 404,000 additional claimants have been linked to mental health conditions.
- The report proposes tightening eligibility criteria to generate savings of £11.9 billion over four years. Two-thirds of savings would reduce the deficit, whilst one-third would fund enhanced mental health services.
- Mr Prager sits on the Timms review steering group examining PIP reform. Sir Stephen Timms has said recently that PIP is ‘not fit for purpose’.
- The website Benefits and Work describes the proposals as ‘concerning’. Critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable children and families across Wales and England.
- DLA rates range from £30.30 to £194.60 per week depending on support needs.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Call to cut three medical conditions from DWP benefit claimed by 915,000
