The Welsh government said that disabled people and other organisations had raised concerns that cuts to PIP would reduce access to crucial treatments and support systems, increasing the risk of “depression, self-harm and suicide”.
PIP is used to purchase additional therapies, such as counselling and physiotherapy, or used to support day-to-day well being.
“These purchases would no longer be affordable without Pip, leading to a deterioration in their health, wellbeing, and employment status,” the consultation response said.
A survey conducted by a disabled people’s organisation “indicated feelings associated with welfare reform include anger, anxiety, terror, worry, fear, suicidal thoughts and a sense of being a burden”, while there was also concerns about a lack of proper consultation.