The table below provides information on initial decisions, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals following a Personal Independence Payment assessment where the primary condition has been determined as chronic pain. Chronic pain has been taken as anyone listed in the chronic pain syndromes subgroup (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and chronic pain syndromes– other), non-specific back pain and specific back pain. The proportion of these figures as a percentage of initial decisions is also included.

Notes:

• Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
• Data is based on primary disabling condition as recorded on the PIP computer system. Claimants may often have multiple disabling conditions upon which the decision is based but only the primary condition is shown in these statistics.
• These figures include initial decisions following assessment for PIP New Claims and Reassessments from the start of the benefit in April 2013 up to 30th June 2021, the latest date for which published data is available.
• These figures cover mandatory reconsideration and appeal decisions at a tribunal hearing up to 31st September 2021.
• Decisions that were changed at mandatory reconsideration that were further changed at appeal have only been counted once.
• A change at appeal includes those that were overturned and those that were lapsed.
• A lapsed appeal is where DWP changed the decision in the customer’s favour after an appeal was lodged but before it was heard at a tribunal hearing.

Entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed based on the daily living and mobility needs arising from a health condition or disability, rather than the health condition or disability itself.

The Department does not issue specific guidance to PIP assessors on chronic pain conditions or their management. However, the PIP Assessment Guide (PIPAG) contains guidance for Health Professionals (HP) carrying out PIP assessments, including how pain and medication such as painkillers should be considered. The PIPAG is regularly updated to ensure guidance for HPs remains relevant and accurate.

PIP is intended to act as a contribution towards the extra costs that arise from needs related to a long-term health condition or disability, such as a chronic pain condition. Entitlement is assessed on the basis of the needs arising from the health condition or disability, rather than the health condition or disability itself.

There are currently over 151,000 people in receipt of PIP whose primary disabling condition is a chronic pain condition.

The Opioid Expert Working Group was established under the auspices of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) to examine regulatory measures in place and whether further action was needed. The review examined the use of opioids in non-cancer pain relief available over the counter and by prescription and did not include opioid use in the treatment of cancer pain or substitution therapy.

The review found that information for patients and healthcare professionals must be consistent and clear. The CHM’s recommendations to improve information for prescribers and patients about these risks to protect public health have been implemented. The safety of opioids is continuously monitored to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks in the use of these medicines.