APPG for MS hosts a joint meeting with APPG on Parkinson’s in parliament
Yesterday, the APPG for MS hosted a joint meeting with APPG on Parkinson’s in parliament. The groups spoke about how to fix PIP for people with progressive neurological conditions.
Why did the APPGs hold a joint meeting?
MS and Parkinson’s have lots of similarities. They’re both progressive lifelong neurological conditions. Many symptoms fluctuate daily or hourly. And others are often invisible.
Currently, the PIP assessment doesn’t let people fully explain how conditions with fluctuating or invisible symptoms impact their daily lives. That means many people living with MS and Parkinson’s face the same barriers when applying for PIP. This can impact the level of support that both communities receive.
The APPG for MS and APPG on Parkinson’s met to discuss the value of solutions to these shared challenges. The Government is currently reviewing PIP. So this meeting gave MPs an opportunity to hear directly from people who have experience of the system.
Who spoke at the event?
Sir Stephen Timms is the Minister for Social Security and Disability. He is leading the Government’s review of PIP. He told the group about the progress being made in the review so far.
The group then heard from MS Society volunteers Megan and Sonia, who live with MS. They told MPs how PIP doesn’t reflect the realities of MS.
Megan said:
We need a system that understands fluctuating and complex conditions. A system that supports independence, rather than undermining it.
Sonia said:
I think the PIP system lacks understanding of MS, relies on poorly-designed questions and puts a lot of stress on applicants. I think there should be better-trained assessors, clearer questions and less frequent reassessments for long-term conditions that won't get better.
Parkinson’s UK volunteers John and Kristine also shared their stories. They spoke about how the assessment needs to be improved. And how PIP supports them to live independently.
What else did the group talk about?
Next to speak were policy experts from the MS Society and Parkinson’s UK. Charles Gillies is our Senior Policy Officer. He told the group about our new report on PIP and MS. It sets out the four areas that must be addressed to reform PIP. And what must be done to fix them:
- Changing how fluctuating and invisible symptoms are assessed
- Improving how mobility is assessed and scrapping the 20-metre rule
- Ending mandatory reassessments for people with MS
- Making PIP person-
We’re ensuring that this important report reaches decision-makers. We gave Minister Timms a copy of the report. And have sent it to Parliamentarians.
What happens next?
We’re working with Parkinson’s UK. Together, we’re supporting the APPGs to write to Minister Timms with questions about the purpose and progress of the PIP review.
How to get involved
Sign our PIP petition today, and join our campaign calling on the UK Government to make PIP fair for people with MS.
You can also sign up to our campaigns community to stay up to date about our latest campaigns and parliamentary activity. We'll keep in touch to share how you can get involved and support our work.
