A LEADING multiple sclerosis charity is to reveal evidence disputing the Government’s controversial “20-metre rule”.
The MS Society has commissioned research into the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), amid claims that more than £6 million has been taken from people living with the condition since the benefits scheme was introduced five years ago.
The report will show the impact the rule has had on people with MS and the charity hopes it will push Westminster to make changes.
Benefits spy squad order MS sufferer to pay back £19,000 after surveillance operation
Niall Sommerville, of the MS Society Scotland, said: “The 20-metre rule is making it increasingly difficult for some people with MS to access disability benefits.
“It’s a fluctuating condition and for some walking 20 metres at 8am can be a completely different prospect to walking 20 metres at 8pm.
“We will be calling on the UK Government to change the way they assess people.”
Our front page story last week about 26-year-old MS sufferer Michael Forsyth, from Lanark, highlighted the flaws in the new system when it comes to assessing fluctuating conditions such as MS.
Michael had his PIP payments stopped and has also been ordered to repay almost £20,000 in benefits.
He is now living on just £125 per week.
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