Waiting times for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) have decreased from an alarming high of 26 weeks in August 2021 to 20 weeks according to latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

While any decrease in waiting times is good news, campaigners say these lengthy delays are still unacceptable, especially as millions of people are struggling due to the cost of living.

Eve Byrne, director of advocacy at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “On top of the existing financial burden that can come with a diagnosis and the spiralling cost of living, it is unacceptable that people with cancer are still facing distressingly long waits in receiving the financial support they’re entitled to.

“While it’s positive to see the average waiting time go down slightly, it is at 20 weeks, meaning many people with cancer are still facing huge delays and we’re hearing from people every day about the dire impact this is having on their wellbeing.”

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