Oral Answers to Questions

David Nuttall Excerpts

Monday 8th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Harper]

The hon. Lady, notwithstanding her position as Chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee, has not outlined the change correctly. If someone’s condition has significantly worsened or if they are claiming for a new condition, of course they can claim employment and support allowance. What they cannot do is to keep reclaiming employment and support allowance for the same condition when they have already been found to be fit for work.

[Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con)]

Will the Minister confirm that for no other benefit is payment usually made pending the claimant’s appeal for the benefit to be returned?

[Mr Harper]

I can confirm that that is right. In all other benefits, when someone is found not to be entitled to it and then chooses to appeal, they are not paid anything while the appeal is ongoing. My hon. Friend is right that employment and support allowance is rather odd in that regard.