Personal Independence Payment (PIP) regulations introduced from 16th March 2017 prevented an enhanced mobility award of PIP for someone who cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person unless it is “for reasons other than psychological distress”.
In December 2017, a High Court decision found that changes were unlawful and ruled the alterations "blatantly discriminate" against people with psychiatric problems and were a breach of their human rights.
Esther McVey confirmed that the DWP will not appeal in a written statement 18th Jan 2018 which means the rule no longer applies. In her statement she confirmed:
“The Department for Work and Pensions will now undertake an exercise to go through all affected cases in receipt of PIP and all decisions made following the judgment in MH to identify anyone who may be entitled to more as a result of the judgment. We will then write to those individuals affected, and all payments will be backdated to the effective date in each individual claim”.
The BBC reported that “a total of 1.6 million of the main disability benefit claims will be reviewed, with around 220,000 people expected to receive more money” but it is more likely that that up to 164,000 people may receive an increase.
Disabilities minister Sarah Newton said "This will be a complex exercise and of considerable scale, as we will be reconsidering approximately 1.6 million claims". The review could cost £3.7bn by 2023.