Stopping Pip for ADHD or autism would not make big savings, according to a leading thinktank. The Resolution Foundation warns that banning people with anxiety, ADHD or autism from claiming disability benefits would fail to deliver major financial savings and could harm employment prospects.
Why Pip Cuts for ADHD and Autism Fall Short
The Resolution Foundation said any proposals to make certain mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions ineligible for personal independence payments (Pip) would be “crude changes” aimed at hitting unrealistic savings targets. Instead, the thinktank calls for a major overhaul to keep costs under control and restore public trust.
Pip is currently failing on several fronts, with costs rising at an “unsustainable” rate. However, simply excluding conditions like ADHD or autism would not address the root issues and could backfire by making it harder for claimants to get or stay in a job.
Potential Savings from Better Targeting
About £4.4bn a year could be saved if Pip support was better targeted, the thinktank said. Cash support could be removed from an estimated one in six working-age Pip claimants (670,000) who report having no extra costs as a result of their disability.
| Reform Approach | Estimated Savings | Impact on Claimants |
|---|---|---|
| Banning ADHD/autism claims | Minimal | Negative – reduces employment |
| Better targeting (remove no-cost claims) | £4.4bn/year | Neutral – focuses on actual costs |
Key Takeaways
- Banning Pip for ADHD or autism would not deliver major savings.
- Better targeting could save £4.4bn annually by removing support from those with no extra costs.
- Reforms should proceed with caution to avoid harming disabled people’s ability to work and participate in society.
- Pip is widely seen as unfair and dysfunctional, needing a major overhaul.
The Success of Pip in Enabling Participation
Despite its flaws, Pip has been successful in ensuring high numbers of disabled and ill people can participate in “economically valuable” activities, such as work, caring, training or volunteering. Any reforms must not undermine this progress.
Official concern over Pip has soared in recent years, partly due to the rapidly rising number of claimants, particularly among young people. The thinktank urges a balanced approach that addresses costs without penalising those who genuinely need support.
FAQ
Would stopping Pip for ADHD or autism save money?
No, according to the Resolution Foundation, banning these conditions would not deliver major financial savings and could harm employment prospects.
How much could be saved by better targeting Pip?
About £4.4bn a year could be saved by removing cash support from an estimated 670,000 claimants who report no extra costs from their disability.
Why is Pip considered dysfunctional?
Pip is seen as unfair and failing on several fronts, with rising costs and public trust issues, prompting calls for a major overhaul.