THE number of people across the UK being refused disability benefit may have doubled over the last year, according to new figures suggesting a “spike” in rejections.

MPs warned the process for assessing Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is replacing disability living allowance (DLA), now appeared based on “pot luck”.

PIP has two elements, a daily living rate and a mobility payment, each payable at a standard or enhanced rate depending on the severity of a person’s ill-health.

How much people get depends on the points they get in assessments carried out by the private firms Atos and Capita on behalf of the UK Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Around 93,400 applicants were given zero scores in their assessments for both elements in 2015/16, but there were 83,000 double zeros in the first six months alone of 2016/17.

In addition, a further 51,000 people were given a zero score in one or other element between April and October last year, according to written Commons answers.

Former Labour work and pensions minister Angela Eagle, who obtained the figures, said there was a spike in zero assessments, pointing to a doubling in those being denied disability benefit.

She said: “It's a trend we've noticed - people usually passing the PIP criteria or DLA criteria getting fewer points, even though they've got chronic conditions that are worsening.

"There's definitely been a spike of people getting zero.

"The only way that this makes sense is if a whole load of people got DLA without deserving it, but that's never been my experience of DLA."

A study by researchers at Sheffield Hallam University for Holyrood’s social security committee last year predicted 70,000 households in Scotland would be an average £2600 a year poorer after PIP replaced DLA because medical tests would be more stringent and frequent.

Labour’s shadow work and pensions secretary Debbie Abrahams said: "The increasing numbers of 'zero points' assessments raise real concerns about the accuracy of the assessment process."

SNP MP Mhairi Black said: "These figures show that the Tory welfare cuts are having a damaging impact on the social security system across the country.

"The Tories have been heavily criticised by a number of organisations, including the United Nations, for the callous cuts they have enforced on the disabled since 2010, and with these latest revelations about PIP, it is not difficult to see why."

Conservative MP Peter Bone added: “I have far, far too many people coming to my surgery who have been denied PIP who clearly should be entitled to it.

"It appears to be pot luck whether you get awarded it or not, and that can't be right."

A DWP spokeswoman said suggestions that the increase in zero scores was deliberate were "completely unfounded", adding: "In fact, 27 per cent of claimants are now receiving the highest rate of support under PIP, compared to just 15 per cent under the outdated DLA.

"Assessments are carried out by qualified health professionals and decisions are made based on information provided by the claimant and their GP."

The UK Government spends around £50bn a year supporting people with disabilities and health conditions, some 2.5 per cent of GDP and over 6 per cent of all Government spending.

A Capita spokeswoman said: "Our assessors are healthcare professionals and are equipped with the knowledge, skills and training to understand how both physical and mental health challenges impact a claimant's daily function.

"All assessments are carried out in line with the latest DWP guidelines, and the decision to award a benefit is made by DWP."

A spokesman for Atos added: "All decisions on awarding benefits are made by DWP."