The Royal College of Psychiatrists and Rethink Mental Illness have commented on the Ministerial announcement made on 23 February.
Dr Jed Boardman, Social Inclusion Lead at the Royal College of Psychiatrists said:
“This is a clear example of the way people with mental health conditions are not given equal treatment. I have worked with patients who struggle to use public transport by themselves because of their mental health illness and can see no reason why they should not get the same support as someone who has difficulty because of their physical health.
It is very disappointing that the Government has decided to change the rules on PIP to get around the courts' ruling and prevent people with mental health conditions getting the help they need."
Brian Dow, Director of External Affairs at Rethink Mental Illness said:
“The Government has spoken forcefully about the importance of parity esteem between physical and mental health, yet when presented with the chance to make this a reality, and make real improvements to the lives of people affected by mental illness, it has passed on the opportunity.
"People affected are bound to feel that this promise, in this instance was an empty one.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Twitter: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896