PIP cuts- what happens next?

[Orangesandlemons77]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3q7584v07o

So this goes to a vote next month? What then does anyone know please?

As they are in England, the enhanced mobility component of PIP does not automatically entitle someone to a blue badge.

In England, the PIP criteria for automatic blue badge entitlement are 8 or more points on the moving around section &/or 10 points exactly under descriptor E on the planning and following a journey activity.

So, for example, someone with ASD who has 12 points, and therefore enhanced mobility, under the planning and following a journey activity would not automatically be entitled to a blue badge. Although they could apply and be assessed just like anyone who isn’t in receipt of PIP can. If they have a blue badge it is not because they receive PIP.

@cloudytime

Thanks for your reply, but I think you are mistaken.

According to the gov website, someone getting 10 or more points for planning and following journeys IS automatically entitled to a blue badge. They don't need an assessment. Please see below.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge#people-who-automatically-get-a-blue-badge

People who automatically get a Blue Badge
You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you are aged 3 or over and at least one of the following applies:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• you receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can’t walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component)
• you are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
• you receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress

@MrsKypp if you actually read the link you have posted you will see it doesn’t say 10 or more points. It says obtain 10 points under descriptor E.

For the planning and following a journey criteria it is 10 points exactly under descriptor E. If you get 12 points, you are not automatically entitled. If you get 10 points under descriptor D, you are not automatically entitled.

@cloudytime

Surely they don't mean if you get 10 points you're automatically entitiled to a blue badge, but if you get 12 points you aren't? In the same section for the same descriptor. (I understand it as at least 10 points)

That would be totally bonkers! On another planet bonkers.

@MrsKypp that is exactly what happens with the planning and following a journey activity in England.

Those not automatically entitled can still apply and be assessed just like anyone not on PIP can.

I have just seen your edit. It is not 10 or more. If they meant 10 or more they would have said so. Just like they say 8 or more for the moving around activity.

This page from Oxfordshire explicitly explains it.

As does this from South Tyneside.

And this from Warwickshire.

Although these pages are from specific councils, the automatic entitlement rules are the same across England regardless of the area you live.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0z45d641do

If you can't take the journey why would you need a blue badge?

@cloudytime

If you are correct and someone getting 10 points has an automatic blue badge, but someone with 12 doesn't - for exaclty the same descriptor - then I can't believe that is the rule. Incredible!!! How on earth is that fair?

Because it is about the majority of days. Not all days. Someone may need to leave the house for medical appointments e.g. once a fortnight and still be able to qualify. Or someone ho can only go out at night can still qualify.

I am correct. Read the links.

It isn’t the same descriptor. 10 points under descriptor E means automatic eligibility. For 12 points that would be under descriptor F.

@cloudytime

Thanks for your links - just saw your edit too.

I'm stunned that someone with more points loses out to someone with fewer for an automatic blue badge. That is absolutely bonkers.

If you hadn't kindly provided those links I could never have imagined it!!! Incredible.

I am going to see if the mother is open to telling me whether she got higher rate daily and lower rate (10 pts) mobility for her DD or what on earth she did to get the automatic blue badge. She had told me it was higher rate for both but obviously I haven't seen the payments or had reason to disbelieve her. I have seen the BB.

Thank you @cloudytime you are really helpful.

Can't say I am not confused by the PIP scoring and automatic blue badge!!

@MrsKypp she might not have got an automatic blue badge. She may have applied and been assessed.

When it was introduced, the rationale was someone with OPD needs a blue badge. Whereas, just because someone can’t follow the route of a familiar journey unaided doesn’t mean they need a blue badge, but could apply and be assessed if they do.

Definitely no assessment. But I am now doubting the high rate for both. If I hadn't seen the BB with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed the DD had PIP at all.

Anyway, I shouldn't derail this thread any more.

Thanks again @cloudytime I really appreciate your posts and links.

It might not have been a physical assessment. It may have been paper based or via the telephone.

That is possible. Paper based on the application form or over the phone with the mother is certainly possible. The DD hasn't done an assessment, not phone or f2f at all.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/25/keir-starmer-dismisses-labour-welfare-cuts-rebellion-as-noises-off

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/26/labour-party-disabled-people-mps-disability-cuts

I think that they have damaged the party, with how they are going about things, without a doubt. Is another u turn likely? who knows with them!

Just watched GMB why is no one raising the fact that you can be working and on PIP. The minister talked about ‘getting off PIP’ and ‘getting into work’ they are pummelling this narrative and none of the journalists are picking up on this crucial nuance! I’m infuriated. Why is no one realising that if a disabled person goes into work they are still disadvantaged because of extra costs they incur. Thus putting them at risk of poverty even with work!

There's a live feed on The BBC today

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cj937xylzyet

How are people feeling? I'm sick with worry over it all but at least it is being discussed whereas nothing was really happening at the start of the week.

@Orangesandlemons77 feeling nervous that some of the dissenting MPs will back down, and that Tory MPs will vote for the bill. Also furious and deeply disappointed that the Labour Party has decided that demonising disabled people is a vote winner. Hoping that the bill will be pulled and that Liz Kendall resigns. What a mess.

It is absolutely maddening that they deliberately muddy the waters like that. But being clear about what PIP actually is doesn't suit the narrative they are pushing.

@Orangesandlemons77 I feel mostly furious!

Oh I SO want to see Kendall lose her job.