The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a further consultation on the mobility component of the new disability benefit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP.)
The consultation due to be launched by the end of June 2013 on the mobility component of PIP, which replaces the Disability Living Allowance, is part of the on-going process of engagement through the introduction of the new benefit.
Under the mobility component, claimants under the enhanced rate would receive an additonal £55.25 as week, while standard rate claimants would receive an addtional £21.00 a week.
Earlier this year the DWP had reduced the distance people had to walk to qualify for the enhanced rate mobility component from 50 metres to 20 metres.
The department said it has received significant feedback from disabled people and their organisations that they want a further opportunity to comment on the finalised assessment criteria rules around mobility.
Esther McVey, minister for disabled people, said: "Throughout the process of developing the new benefit we have listened to the feedback we have received and made significant changes to the assessment as a direct result of this feedback. This includes holding one of the biggest consultations ever at DWP.
"The assessment was designed to target support on those who need it most - those individuals who face the greatest barriers to participating in society. However, we have listened to disabled people and their organisations who wanted a further consultation, so that is what we are doing.
"We are carrying out the consultation with an open mind and will not decide if changes are necessary until we have fully considered the responses to this new consultation."
