DWP minister refuses to say which conditions will not longer qualify for PIP after major benefit change

A minister for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has declined to set out which health conditions will be affected by the government's major welfare reforms.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride set out his plans on how disability benefits will change in a statement to the Commons. He said the proposals aimed at providing a "fair and compassionate" system with "bespoke" support.

However, a Green Paper, which was published alongside Mr Stride's statement, proposed reforming personal independence payments (PIP) by altering the eligibility criteria and the way assessments are carried out. A key point from the proposals is the "move away from a fixed cash benefit system".

Read more: DWP pension change 'would add £100k to worker's pension'

Mr Stride told the Commons this week: “This Government’s priority is to make sure that our welfare system is fair and compassionate. Fair on the taxpayer, by ensuring that people of working age who can work, do work, and fair on those who are in most need of the state’s help.”

He added that consultation will look at "whether people with specific health conditions and disabilities can be taken out of PIP assessments all together". He continued: "We are also consulting on whether we should make fundamental changes to the way we provide support to disabled people and people with a health condition.

“We know that any additional cost arising form a disability or health condition, which Pip is intended to help with can vary significantly and is unique to the individual circumstances.”

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Alison McGovern, spoke out against the reforms. She said: “In recent weeks, the Secretary of State has decided to speak out of both sides of his mouth.

"On the one