Over the past five years, there has been a remarkable 500% increase in disability benefit claims linked to food intolerances. This surge has prompted a former Member of Parliament to accuse the government of enabling public exploitation. Claims for personal independence payments have doubled for about 20 conditions since 2021, including sleep apnea, bed-wetting, and stress reactions to disorders.
Former Conservative minister Sir Alec Shelbrook has voiced strong criticism regarding benefit claims associated with food intolerances, asserting that allergies should not prevent individuals from maintaining employment.
He remarked, “Individuals without a legitimate claim are exploiting the public, and the Government is allowing it to happen.”
Scrutiny has intensified on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) amid reports from the Sun that Britain’s annual welfare spending, which has ballooned to £333 billion, now surpasses the Treasury’s income tax revenues for the first time.
PIP is a tax-free benefit designed to assist those with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities that hinder everyday tasks or mobility.
Individuals affected by food intolerances can receive up to £114.60 per week, accounting for the additional time required to prepare meals adhering to a specialist diet recommended by a general practitioner.
In 2021, only 12 people received welfare support for food allergies. However, the count is at 78, which costs £1,000 a day.
While ADHD, autism, and anxiety are some of the leading triggers for payments, 4,500 people are currently on PIP for being obese.
The DWP spokesperson said: “These claims, which represent a small proportion of PIP, started increasing several years ago.
“We are fixing the broken system we inherited, delivering more personalised support to help people into work, and bringing in reforms to save nearly £2bn this parliament.”
