View Image

The Department for Work and Pensions has imposed a "gagging order” on experts joining a panel advising the Labour Party government over Personal Independence Payment cuts.

Labour disability minister Sir Stephen Timms is set to lead a review of the process used to assess people for PIP. The DWP is launching a new Independent Disability Advisory Panel (IDAP) to share expertise on policy issues, such as the PIP review.

But panel members have been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Jamie Cole, 47-year-old PIP claimant from Yorkshire, said the NDA “underscores a worry”.

READ MORE UK households told 'switch lights off' with epidemic spreading across England

He told the I paper he hoped promise of co-production meant disabled people “actively shape” the changes

See Full Page