SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon MLA has called on the Department for Communities to immediately begin a review of all PIP claims.Ms Mallon added: “Last month’s High Court ruling was a watershed moment for the thousands of PIP applicants suffering from mental health conditions.
“It was a devastating critique of the blatant discrimination at the heart of this new system which appear to all observers to be fuelled by Treasury bean counters rather than supporting vulnerable people.
“I welcome that the British Government is complying with the ruling by reconsidering all PIP claims.
“I have written to the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Communities to request that the same work is carried out here to ensure that no claimant is denied the support that they need.
“This is a significant piece of work and should be undertaken immediately.
“It should never have come to this.
“People suffering from mental health conditions or those with disabilities should not be forced to take the government to court to end systemic discrimination.
“The SDLP will continue to raise our very serious concerns about PIP and the impact the changes are having on vulnerable claimants across the North.”
