Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Work and Pensions

Oral Answers to Questions

Charlie Elphicke Excerpts
Monday 24th February 2014

(10 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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The reason we are phasing the measure in is to make sure that we get it right. There are internal DWP processes that are taking too long. The assessment is taking too long, and it is also the case that some claimants are taking too long to return the forms that have been sent to them. We are working on this with both providers, and we will get there.

Charlie Elphicke Portrait Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)
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Under the current DLA system, it is hard for people with severe mental health conditions to get the higher-rate amount, but will that change when PIP is implemented?

Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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We often hear about the negative side of PIP, and we have heard again from the Opposition today about their opposition to some parts of it, but there is a great success story for people with mental health issues. Under the old DLA system, they would not be able to get the higher rate that they will receive under PIP, which should be welcomed across the House.