1 Ian Roome debates involving the Department for Work and Pensions

Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Roome Excerpts
Monday 11th November 2024

(1 week, 3 days ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Ian Roome Portrait Ian Roome (North Devon) (LD)
- Hansard - -

2. What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the personal independence payment application process.

Stephen Timms Portrait The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

The application process for personal independence payment is being kept under review. An online process is being trialled and we are looking at further potential improvements.

Ian Roome Portrait Ian Roome
- View Speech - Hansard - -

One of my constituents in receipt of PIP is sight-impaired, deaf-blind registered and cannot use a phone or fill out forms. Can the Minister tell me why PIP reassessments are being scheduled for people with incurable disabilities and terminal illnesses?

Stephen Timms Portrait Sir Stephen Timms
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

The hon. Gentleman raises a very fair point. It is, of course, important that we keep the awards under review, because sometimes they go up as well as down and we want to ensure that the support being provided is appropriate for the claimant. We also need to ensure that the process is accessible—I agree with him about that. Help can be provided to manage the assessment process. If he would like to send me more details about his constituent, I would be glad to see what we can do to help.