Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kate Osamor and Justin Tomlinson

Monday 8th March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Justin Tomlinson]

We have increased, in real terms, by £3 billion the support provided to those with disabilities and health conditions, through disability benefits. All of our assessors have at least two years’ experience and extensive training. The Department monitors closely the quality—this is carried out independently—and 92% of claimants have found their experience either satisfactory or better.

[Kate Osamor (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op)]

What steps she is taking to support people on legacy benefits.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kate Osamor and Justin Tomlinson

Monday 25th January 2021 Commons Chamber

[Kate Osamor (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op)]

What recent estimate she has made of the average time her Department takes to process a work capability assessment referral.

[The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work (Justin Tomlinson)]

Although face-to-face work capability assessments remain temporarily suspended, we are conducting paper-based assessments where possible. We have also introduced telephone assessments and are trialling video assessments. We closely monitor processing times, and are prioritising new claims and changes of circumstances.

[Kate Osamor [V]]

In its latest briefing, the Child Poverty Action Group has highlighted the plight of universal credit claimants whose work capability assessments have been delayed indefinitely because they require a face-to-face assessment. These claimants have gone months without hundreds of pounds of extra support, which they need. What assurances can the Minister provide these claimants about when they will be able to access this element of universal credit?

[Justin Tomlinson]

We are doing absolutely everything we can to ensure that claimants are accessing the support as quickly as possible, which is why we introduced at pace telephone assessments and now video assessments. Wherever possible, we are also conducting paper-based assessments. We continue to do all we can, and we will return to include face-to-face assessments as soon as it is safe to do so.