Martin Whitfield Portrait

Martin Whitfield

Labour - Former Member for East Lothian

First elected: 8th June 2017

Left House: 6th November 2019 (Defeated)


High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill Select Committee (Commons)
5th Feb 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Science and Technology Committee (Commons)
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Science and Technology Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019


Division Voting information

Martin Whitfield has voted in 394 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Martin Whitfield Division Votes

All Debates

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Andrea Leadsom (Conservative)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
(36 debate interactions)
George Eustice (Conservative)
(32 debate interactions)
Theresa May (Conservative)
(25 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(74 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(56 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Martin Whitfield's debates

East Lothian Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

Parliament must not be prorogued or dissolved unless and until the Article 50 period has been sufficiently extended or the UK's intention to withdraw from the EU has been cancelled.

The Brexit process has been a failure. At the end of two years, our ruling party is bitterly divided, the main opposition not a viable replacement for it, and the deal we have negotiated is almost universally opposed.
No one voted for this to happen.

The government repeatedly claims exiting the EU is 'the will of the people'. We need to put a stop to this claim by proving the strength of public support now, for remaining in the EU. A People's Vote may not happen - so vote now.

The UK voted in a referendum in 2016 to Leave the EU....this wasn't dependent on a " deal" ....but rather just "Leave"
we are now demanding that all mp's honour this result .conservative and labour mp's also agreed to leave on 29/03/19...... deal or no deal as part of their gen election campaign

Every year fireworks are set off unnecessarily.
Fireworks are a nuisance to the public. They scare animals, young children and people with a phobia.
They injure thousands of people every year.
They cause damage to buildings, vehicles,emergancy vehicles etc.
Lastly Kids are STILL being sold them.

If there is no agreement by the deadline for reaching agreement with the EU during the talks then brexit should be stopped as leaving with no deal will be very bad for businesses and for the Irish border issue and for EU citizens living here.

Hundreds of thousands of parents will lose out under the new tax-free childcare. The voucher schemes should be kept open alongside tax-free childcare to give parents a genuine choice for the support that best suits their family.

That this Government without delay recognises the need for a non-means tested bridging pension for women born on or after 6/4/1950 who are affected by the 1995 and 2011 Pension Acts and compensate those at risk of losing up to around £45,000, to also give proper notification for any future changes.


Latest EDMs signed by Martin Whitfield

28th October 2019
Martin Whitfield signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 28th October 2019

Josh Taylor: world champion boxer

Tabled by: Martin Whitfield (Labour - East Lothian)
That this House congratulates Prestonpans’ Josh Taylor on making Scottish boxing history by becoming a double world champion with his latest victory, a majority decision over American fighter Regis Prograis, which resulted in him adding the WBA and Ring Magazine titles to his IBF super-lightweight crown; notes that this was …
21 signatures
(Most recent: 5 Nov 2019)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 11
Scottish National Party: 6
Independent: 2
Conservative: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
24th October 2019
Martin Whitfield signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 28th October 2019

Customs checks between Northern Ireland and Great Britain

Tabled by: Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West)
This House recognises the very grave concerns expressed by businesses and communities in Northern Ireland, Wales and across the United Kingdom about the impact of introducing checks and tariffs on trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain; condemns any proposals or policies that would see an economic or political border …
10 signatures
(Most recent: 30 Oct 2019)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 7
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Independent: 1
View All Martin Whitfield's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Martin Whitfield, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Martin Whitfield has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Martin Whitfield

Martin Whitfield has not introduced any legislation before Parliament


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
11th Jan 2018
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to tackle the effect of foreign political advertising on UK elections.

UK political parties and campaigners can only receive donations (including donations in kind) from permissible sources. These sources are set out in legislation and include individuals on the electoral roll, companies registered in the UK and carrying on business here, and a number of other UK-registered bodies. Separate provisions apply in Northern Ireland. Accepting donations from any impermissible donor is an offence.

Under the Communications Act 2003, other than party political broadcasts, political advertising is prohibited on TV and radio. However, the Government recognises the problems caused by misleading and false information online, and we take the security and integrity of our democratic processes very seriously.

The Government’s manifesto includes a commitment to take steps to protect the reliability and objectivity of information that is essential to our democracy and a free, independent press. Therefore we are working with the broadcast and press sectors, social media and the broader tech industry, academics and international partner governments to ensure we have a news environment where accurate content can prevail. We are also working to improve the critical analysis and digital literacy skills of the wider population.

7th May 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the suitability of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary joining the Alpha Pensions scheme as directed by the Public Service Pensions Act 2013.

As is the case with other Public Sector employees, the Civil Nuclear Police Authority’s employees will move into the Alpha Pensions scheme. A decision to modify the statutory scheme ultimately rests with HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office. BEIS officials are engaging with all interested parties to provide certainty for CNPA and its staff.

Andrew Stephenson
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Jan 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on expanding the role of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary to augment police resources in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

There have been no discussions about expanding the roles and responsibilities of the CNC in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

The CNC is part of long-standing arrangements to provide mutual aid to other police forces, and will provide support, when requested, provided there is no impact on meeting their core civil nuclear security mission.

11th Dec 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when the equality impact assessment prepared by his Department on the pension proposals for the Civil Nuclear Police on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy, Energy and Industrial Strategy will be published.

The BEIS Equality Analysis on the CNC pension age will be published once all policy discussions on this matter are complete.

12th Oct 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when the Civil Nuclear Constabulary's new training facility in West Cumbria will be completed.

I was delighted to be able to visit the Griffin Park Tactical Training Facility in April this year. As I saw, this is a world class facility which will ensure that the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) are able to continue to effectively deliver their mission of protecting civil nuclear sites and materials. The CNC are planning to take full occupancy of the building in early 2019, and to commence firearms training there in spring.

10th Oct 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the oral contribution of 12 December 2017, Official Report, column 171, when he plans to publish the equality impact assessment on the planned increase in the State Pension Age for members of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

The equality analysis will be published in due course.

13th Apr 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to change the 12 week pay reference period used to calculate paid annual leave; and whether his Department plans to implement the recommendation of the Taylor Review of a 52 week pay reference period for annual leave.

The Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices was published in July 2017. On 7 February 2018, the Government published its response. We are taking forward work on the vast majority of the 53 recommendations in the Taylor Review. The response confirmed that we would set out proposals to introduce a 52 week reference period for holiday pay, as recommended in the Review. These proposals are included on our consultation on “Measures to increase transparency in the UK Labour Market”. This consultation is still open and we would welcome responses up to the deadline of 23 May 2018.

29th Jan 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to re-negotiate the surplus-sharing agreement between the Government and the Trustees of the Mineworkers Pension Scheme.

There are no such current plans.

12th Dec 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the the suspension of oil from the North Sea as a result of the closure of The Forties pipeline on the supply of oil and fuel in the UK.

There is no security of supply issue for oil and fuel supplies as a result of the repairs needed to the Forties pipeline. We have received reassurances from Petroineos Grangemouth refinery, which receives some crude oil direct from the pipeline, that they will be able to continue to provide fuel due to the availability of oil from other sources.

12th Dec 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the closure of the Forties pipeline closure on UK energy security in the next quarter?

There is no security of supply issue for fuel or gas supplies as a result of the repairs needed to the Forties pipeline. We have received reassurances from Petroineos Grangemouth refinery that they will be able to continue to provide fuel due to the availability of oil from other sources. Similarly, National Grid has confirmed that the loss of the FPS will not impact on security of supply for gas.

12th Dec 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the closure of the Forties oil pipeline have on the communities in (a) Scotland and (b) the rest of the UK?

The safety of local residents is the primary concern and a small number were placed in temporary accommodation as a precautionary measure.

There is no impact on the availability of fuel or gas to communities as a result of the repairs needed to the Forties pipeline. Short-term increases in the wholesale gas price will not have an impact on consumer prices and National Grid will continue to monitor market changes. We have been informed that this will be a short-term disruption and we do not expect the very short-term spike in the price of Brent crude to lead to a significant increase in fuel prices.

11th Dec 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to increase the subsidy from the public purse for health and safety courses undertaken as part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme card application process.

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) plays an important role in promoting relevant competency standards and health and safety awareness in construction. Government recognises the positive contribution that the Scheme makes, both to the construction industry and the clients it serves. However, the CSCS card is not a Government scheme, nor is the holding of a CSCS card a statutory requirement for employment in the construction industry. We therefore have no current plans to subsidise the Scheme.

13th Nov 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that consumers can keep smart meters when they switch energy suppliers.

Consumers with first generation smart (SMETS1) meters are still able to switch supplier. If the new supplier is not able to operate the meter in 'smart' mode, the meter will continue to record energy consumption accurately and can be used in 'traditional' mode.

Second generation smart (SMETS2) meters will be fully compatible between energy providers, therefore allowing all consumers to retain smart services when they switch energy suppliers.

The Data and Communications Company is developing a solution to move SMETS1 meters onto the national communications infrastructure to enable consumers to retain their smart services upon switching. We expect this to commence in late 2018.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the oral contribution of 12 December 2017, Official Report, column 171, when he plans to publish the equality impact assessment on the planned increase in the State Pension Age for members of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

The equality analysis will be published in due course.

30th Apr 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to ensure that cable and satellite TV companies to share their subscription information with TV Licensing to improve the investigation and enforcement process as set out in section 5 of the TV licence free enforcement review.

The government expects the BBC to collect the licence fee in an efficient and proportionate way to reduce costs and evasion. We continue to explore the feasibility of subscription data sharing.

27th Feb 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on what date he expects Wave 3 of the Local Full Fibre Network Challenge Fund to open for applications.

Wave 2 of the Challenge Fund closed to applications on 26th January 2018. We expect to notify applicants about the successful applications in March 2018 and we anticipate that the next wave of the Challenge Fund will open to applications in the summer of 2018.

11th Sep 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on the digital and tech industries.

Ensuring that the UK's digital and technology sectors remain strong and at the forefront of international innovation and enterprise are priorities for this Government


Since the 2016 referendum, we have carried out extensive and diverse engagement with hundreds of businesses of all sizes across the UK on the potential implications of our withdrawal from the EU, alongside extensive wider analysis and engagement.

Investment continues to flow into the UK’s tech businesses as they go from strength to strength. Only yesterday, FinTech start-up Neyber received a huge £100m boost.

20th Jun 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the contribution of the Scotch Whisky industry to (a) rural employment and (b) investment.

The Scotch Whisky industry provides vital employment and investment to communities across Scotland. It is estimated that 7,000 people are directly employed by the industry in rural areas of Scotland.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Jun 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many people have been employed by the Scotch Whisky industry in the last five years.

More than 10,500 people are directly employed in the Scotch Whisky industry in Scotland, and over 42,000 jobs across the UK are supported by the industry.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
22nd Nov 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, when the Strategic Coherence for ODA-funded Research Board first plans to meet and how often it will do so.

DFID led the development of the new HMG Strategic Coherence of ODA-funded Research (SCOR) Board within the UK Collaborative for Development Sciences UKCDS (DFID is the major funder of UKCDS). SCOR has been established as a cross-HMG mechanism to ensure that UK’s ODA-funded science and research is coherent across HMG departments and is having maximum impact on international development objectives and outcomes in developing countries.

The Board’s first meeting was held on the 17 Nov 2017. DFID is represented on by Board through the departmental Chief Scientific Adviser who is also responsible for DFID research budget. The SCOR Board is planning to meet four times in 2018, starting in January.

22nd Nov 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the remit and objectives of the Strategic Coherence of ODA-funded Research Board are.

DFID led the development of the new HMG Strategic Coherence of ODA-funded Research (SCOR) Board within the UK Collaborative for Development Sciences UKCDS (DFID is the major funder of UKCDS). SCOR has been established as a cross-HMG mechanism to ensure that UK’s ODA-funded science and research is coherent across HMG departments and is having maximum impact on international development objectives and outcomes in developing countries.

The Board’s first meeting was held on the 17 Nov 2017. DFID is represented on by Board through the departmental Chief Scientific Adviser who is also responsible for DFID research budget. The SCOR Board is planning to meet four times in 2018, starting in January.

24th Oct 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the contribution of the Scotch whisky industry to the UK's food and drink exports.

Scotch whisky is a significant contributor to the UK’s overall food and drink exports. In 2018, whisky exports reached a record £4.8bn, representing over 21% of total food and drink exports. This is an increase of 9.1% on 2017. The largest export market, USA, recorded export sales of £1.06bn, an increase of 12.4%.

23rd Nov 2017
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to establish a system better to enable parliamentary scrutiny of trade agreements.

As outlined in the Government’s White Paper ‘Preparing for our future UK trade policy’, we remain committed to a transparent, fair, and rules-based approach to international trade and invited views on the UK’s approach to its future trade policy.

We are reviewing responses and continue to engage with stakeholders on these issues.

After March 2019, the Government will ensure that Parliament has an appropriate role to play in the scrutiny of new UK trade treaties.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Oct 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions he has had with the EU Trade Commissioner on the Bombardier trade dispute.

I have raised the US anti-dumping and subsidies investigation into Bombardier personally with Trade Commissioner Malmström, just prior to the Department of Commerce’s preliminary determination of 26 September.

23rd May 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Government plans to respond to the Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information consultation.

The Government understands the importance of accessible on-board information in helping bus passengers to travel with confidence, and in Summer 2018 published a public consultation on proposals to require its provision on local bus services throughout Great Britain.

We continue to analyse responses to the consultation and expect to announce our next steps regarding the making of Regulations and publication of guidance later in the year.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
21st May 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to ensure that (a) British blue badge holders continue to receive the parking concessions that they are entitled to in EU and EFTA member states and (b) EU and EFTA members state citizens who hold blue badges continue to receive the parking concessions that they are entitled to in the UK in the event that the UK leaves the EU on or before 31 October 2019.

The Government is considering all the potential implications arising from the UK’s exit from the EU, including the implications for the continued recognition of Blue Badges. Whilst we are confident of agreeing continued mutual recognition, as this would be in the interest of both the UK and the EU, the negotiation of the arrangements for our exit from the EU are ongoing and no decisions on this topic have yet been taken.

15th May 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations Act to reduce the maximum glare permitted by automobile headlights.

Regulations are already in place to help prevent headlights from causing glare, and there are no plans to change national law.

Before vehicles can be sold or registered in the United Kingdom manufacturers must ensure compliance with international vehicle approval requirements, which include defined beam patterns and intensities to minimise the occurrence of glare. The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 prohibit the use of headlights that can cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other road users. Vehicle users have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are maintained correctly, and headlight aim is checked at the annual roadworthiness inspection (MOT test) to ensure it is within acceptable limits.

19th Nov 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has had discussions with the Cross Country train-operating company on overcrowding on its services; and if he will make a statement.

My officials meet regularly with Cross Country to discuss a range of issues including crowding on trains. Currently, there is no suitable rolling stock available that could be used on this franchise to alleviate the services which suffer overcrowding. We are, however, working with Cross Country to see what other opportunities might exist to reduce overcrowding.

9th May 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will commission a report on the effect of driving with impaired vision on the safety of motorcyclists.

The Department has no current plans to commission a report on the effect of driving with impaired vision on the safety of motorcyclists.

All drivers and riders must be able to meet the required visual acuity and visual field standards, which includes being able to read a number plate from 20 metres. Drivers are also legally responsible for notifying the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) at any time of a change in their health or vision which may affect their ability to meet the appropriate standards.

The Government fully supports the NHS’s recommendation that adults should have their eyes tested every two years. The DVLA has changed its driving licence application forms to highlight the importance of having regular eyesight tests. The photo card driving licence renewal letter that the DVLA sends to drivers has also been amended to include this important message.

20th Mar 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to support the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.

The Department’s “British Road Safety Statement” published in December 2015 sets out the Government’s commitment to actions that do support the UN Decade for Road Safety. This includes measures to improve safety and reduce deaths for vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists. It also includes enhancing road infrastructure and encouraging improved learning and road behaviour. There are also actions on tackling mobile phone use whilst driving.

26th Feb 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will commission an independent inquiry into aerotoxic syndrome.

Maintaining the safety record of UK aviation is something we take very seriously. That is why concerns raised about cabin air have been investigated at length over a number of years.

Following a recommendation in 2007 by the Committee on Toxicity (COT) – an independent committee of toxicology experts – the Department commissioned a series of scientific studies as part of a research programme into cabin air. The principal research study, carried out by Cranfield University, was published in 2011 and found that, with respect to the conditions of flight experienced during the cabin air sampling, there was no evidence for pollutants occurring at levels exceeding health and safety standards and guidelines. The Department for Transport currently has no plans to launch another independent inquiry into this matter.

16th Jan 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that new standards within the updated driving examination meet health and safety requirements for (a) the applicant, (b) the driving instructor and (c) other road users.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) introduced the new practical driving test on 4 December 2017. The new elements of the test were trialled extensively.

The DVSA carried out a risk assessment of the new test in July 2017 and conducted further evaluations in September 2017, which did not identify any unacceptable risk.

It also commissioned an independent assessment of the test from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). The RoSPA report concluded that all new parts of the driving test were low risk.

11th Jan 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the use of ANPR equipment to monitor vehicle tax in rural areas.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) uses its own ANPR fleet to identify non-compliant vehicles in locations throughout the United Kingdom. The DVLA’s wheelclamping contractor also provides ANPR services which provide geographic coverage across every district in the UK. ANPR equipment is just one of a range of measures the DVLA utilise to tackle vehicle excise duty evasion.

27th Oct 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Glasgow bin lorry crash of 22 December 2014, if he will take steps to undertaken a consultation on (a) how to ensure the completeness and accuracy of information available to the DVLA for the purposes of making fitness to drive licensing decisions and (b) increasing the penalties and altering the mode of prosecution for contravention of section 94 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The UK’s roads are among the safest in the world and there is no evidence to suggest that there is a widespread road safety risk relating to people driving inappropriately due to a notifiable medical condition. The majority of individuals notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of medical conditions as they are required to. The DVLA also accepts notifications from the police and health care professionals. The Government therefore has no plans to carry out a formal consultation as suggested.

The processes for notifying a medical condition to the DVLA are kept under review. Potential improvements to processes are fully explored and implemented, where appropriate. The DVLA has made improvements to raise awareness of the importance of notifying a medical condition which may affect fitness to drive. Officials have worked closely with doctors and other medical professionals to publish revised guidance. The DVLA has also introduced an electronic service which allows drivers to notify certain medical conditions online. Letters to customers and medical professionals have been improved, helping to ensure that the DVLA receives the information it needs as quickly as possible.

The Government believes that there are already sufficient powers available to the relevant prosecution authorities.

16th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with multiple sclerosis in receipt of disability living allowance who (a) underwent a reassessment and (b) made a new application for personal independence payments had their (i) application rejected and (ii) award reduced as a result of an informal observation made by the assessor in each year since 2013.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Informal observations form part of the suite of evidence used by Health Professionals at the face to face assessment to help Case Managers determine entitlement to benefit, along with medical evidence, history of conditions, social and occupational history, functional history including the ‘typical day’ and the functional examination.

More information can be found at paragraph 1.6 in the Personal Independence Payment Assessment Guide at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-1-the-assessment-process#carrying-out-pip-assessments

16th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with multiple sclerosis in receipt of disability living allowance in (a) Scotland, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Wales and (d) England appealed a decision at tribunal relating to a reassessment for personal independence payments and had that decision overturned (i) by her Department before the date of that tribunal and (ii) by that tribunal in each year since 2013.

The information requested on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mandatory reconsiderations (MR) and appeals for claimants with a primary disabling condition of Multiple Sclerosis in Scotland, Wales and England can be found in the tables below.

The Northern Irish Assembly has devolved responsibility for social security benefits. The responsibility for statistics in Northern Ireland lies with the Department for Communities: http://www.communities-ni.gov.uk

Since PIP was introduced 4.1m decisions have been made up to March 2019, of these 10% have been appealed and 5% have been overturned.

Reassessments from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP.

Table 1: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Scotland.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

70

10

10

#

#

0

#

#

2015/16

370

70

20

60

50

#

10

30

2016/17

1,360

210

60

150

100

10

20

60

2017/18

820

140

40

100

70

10

10

40

2018/19

690

120

20

80

60

10

10

20

Table 2: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Wales.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

#

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

150

40

20

20

20

#

0

10

2015/16

250

60

10

50

30

#

#

20

2016/17

930

200

60

150

90

10

10

70

2017/18

430

60

20

50

30

#

#

20

2018/19

240

50

10

20

10

#

0

0

Table 3: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, England.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

#

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

610

110

50

50

40

#

#

30

2015/16

2,720

640

160

470

300

30

40

220

2016/17

9,920

1,970

550

1,400

840

80

140

560

2017/18

7,160

1,380

330

1,040

620

100

70

350

2018/19

6,260

1,220

300

810

500

120

10

80

New Claims to PIP.

Table 4: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Scotland.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

130

20

10

20

10

#

#

#

2014/15

560

110

20

90

40

10

10

20

2015/16

470

120

20

100

40

#

20

20

2016/17

540

130

20

110

50

10

10

30

2017/18

500

110

10

90

40

#

10

30

2018/19

440

100

10

80

30

10

#

10

Table 5: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Wales.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

40

10

#

10

#

0

#

#

2014/15

250

40

10

30

10

#

#

10

2015/16

140

30

10

20

#

0

#

#

2016/17

180

40

#

40

20

#

10

10

2017/18

160

40

10

30

20

0

#

10

2018/19

190

50

10

30

10

#

#

#

Table 6: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, England.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

530

90

30

60

30

10

10

10

2014/15

3,940

650

170

470

180

30

40

100

2015/16

3,240

730

130

600

240

20

60

150

2016/17

3,040

670

90

580

230

30

70

120

2017/18

3,130

740

110

630

280

40

40

160

2018/19

2,780

640

100

450

190

20

#

20

Source: PIP Computer System

All data rounded to the nearest 10. # refers to where there are less than 5 cases.

Components may not sum to totals due to rounding.

In the application process, claimants’ primary disabling condition is only recorded for collation by the Department at assessment.

Data is based on primary disabling condition as recorded on the PIP computer systems. Claimants may often have multiple disabling conditions upon which the decision is based but only the primary condition is shown in these statistics.

The geography relates to the origin of the claim (i.e. derived from claimant’s postcode).

PIP data includes normal rules and special rules for the terminally ill claimants.

Some decisions which are changed at MR, and where the claimant continues to appeal for a higher PIP award, are then changed again at tribunal appeal. Therefore the number of people who had a decision changed at MR and the number of people who had a decision changed at tribunal appeal cannot be added together.

Lapsed appeals are where DWP changed the decision after an appeal was lodged but before it was heard at Tribunal.

Claimants who have received benefit decisions more recently may not yet have had time to complete the claimant journey and progress to an MR and appeal.

16th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with multiple sclerosis in (a) Scotland, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Wales and (d) England who made a new application for personal independence payments appealed the decision made by her Department at tribunal and had that decision overturned by (i) her Department before the date of the tribunal and (ii) the tribunal in each year since 2013.

The information requested on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mandatory reconsiderations (MR) and appeals for claimants with a primary disabling condition of Multiple Sclerosis in Scotland, Wales and England can be found in the tables below.

The Northern Irish Assembly has devolved responsibility for social security benefits. The responsibility for statistics in Northern Ireland lies with the Department for Communities: http://www.communities-ni.gov.uk

Since PIP was introduced 4.1m decisions have been made up to March 2019, of these 10% have been appealed and 5% have been overturned.

Reassessments from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP.

Table 1: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Scotland.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

70

10

10

#

#

0

#

#

2015/16

370

70

20

60

50

#

10

30

2016/17

1,360

210

60

150

100

10

20

60

2017/18

820

140

40

100

70

10

10

40

2018/19

690

120

20

80

60

10

10

20

Table 2: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Wales.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

#

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

150

40

20

20

20

#

0

10

2015/16

250

60

10

50

30

#

#

20

2016/17

930

200

60

150

90

10

10

70

2017/18

430

60

20

50

30

#

#

20

2018/19

240

50

10

20

10

#

0

0

Table 3: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, England.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

#

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

610

110

50

50

40

#

#

30

2015/16

2,720

640

160

470

300

30

40

220

2016/17

9,920

1,970

550

1,400

840

80

140

560

2017/18

7,160

1,380

330

1,040

620

100

70

350

2018/19

6,260

1,220

300

810

500

120

10

80

New Claims to PIP.

Table 4: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Scotland.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

130

20

10

20

10

#

#

#

2014/15

560

110

20

90

40

10

10

20

2015/16

470

120

20

100

40

#

20

20

2016/17

540

130

20

110

50

10

10

30

2017/18

500

110

10

90

40

#

10

30

2018/19

440

100

10

80

30

10

#

10

Table 5: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Wales.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

40

10

#

10

#

0

#

#

2014/15

250

40

10

30

10

#

#

10

2015/16

140

30

10

20

#

0

#

#

2016/17

180

40

#

40

20

#

10

10

2017/18

160

40

10

30

20

0

#

10

2018/19

190

50

10

30

10

#

#

#

Table 6: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, England.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

530

90

30

60

30

10

10

10

2014/15

3,940

650

170

470

180

30

40

100

2015/16

3,240

730

130

600

240

20

60

150

2016/17

3,040

670

90

580

230

30

70

120

2017/18

3,130

740

110

630

280

40

40

160

2018/19

2,780

640

100

450

190

20

#

20

Source: PIP Computer System

All data rounded to the nearest 10. # refers to where there are less than 5 cases.

Components may not sum to totals due to rounding.

In the application process, claimants’ primary disabling condition is only recorded for collation by the Department at assessment.

Data is based on primary disabling condition as recorded on the PIP computer systems. Claimants may often have multiple disabling conditions upon which the decision is based but only the primary condition is shown in these statistics.

The geography relates to the origin of the claim (i.e. derived from claimant’s postcode).

PIP data includes normal rules and special rules for the terminally ill claimants.

Some decisions which are changed at MR, and where the claimant continues to appeal for a higher PIP award, are then changed again at tribunal appeal. Therefore the number of people who had a decision changed at MR and the number of people who had a decision changed at tribunal appeal cannot be added together.

Lapsed appeals are where DWP changed the decision after an appeal was lodged but before it was heard at Tribunal.

Claimants who have received benefit decisions more recently may not yet have had time to complete the claimant journey and progress to an MR and appeal.

15th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what data her Department holds on the number of applications for personal independence payments that were (a) refused and (b) reduced based on informal observations made of the applicant upon face to face assessment.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Informal observations form part of the suite of evidence used by Health Professionals at the face to face assessment to help Case Managers determine entitlement to benefit, along with medical evidence, history of conditions, social and occupational history, functional history including the ‘typical day’ and the functional examination.

More information can be found at paragraph 1.6 in the Personal Independence Payment Assessment Guide at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-1-the-assessment-process#carrying-out-pip-assessments

15th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with multiple sclerosis have requested a copy of their personal independence payment assessment report following a face-to-face assessment in each year since 2013.

To gather this information, each claim would have to be looked at individually, therefore could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

12th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with multiple sclerosis in (a) Scotland, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Wales and (d) England (i) made new applications for personal independence payments and (ii) were reassessed from disability living allowance to personal independence payments in each year since 2013.

The Department does not hold the data requested on the disability of a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimant at the point of registration (application) for a claim. Data on a PIP claimant’s condition is not recorded until the claimant attends an assessment.

The latest available data on PIP clearances can be broken down by main disabling condition for both new claims and DLA reassessment claims for those that attended an assessment (awarded and disallowed post referral to the AP due to failing assessment), for each month from the introduction of PIP in April 2013 to the last available data in April 2019. Data can also be split by geographical area within Great Britain (region).

Stat-Xplore can be found at https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/

Guidance on how to use Stat-Xplore can be found here: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/index.html

Please note that the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is only responsible for benefits in Great Britain. Social security benefits, including PIP, are a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and your questions regarding PIP in Northern Ireland should be directed at the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland.

12th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with multiple sclerosis in (a) Scotland, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Wales and (d) England that were in receipt of disability living allowance and underwent a reassessment for personal independence payments applied for mandatory reconsideration of the decision in each year since 2013; and how many of those people (i) had their decision overturned and (ii) had their decision upheld.

The information requested on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mandatory reconsiderations (MR) and appeals for claimants with a primary disabling condition of Multiple Sclerosis in Scotland, Wales and England can be found in the tables below.

The Northern Irish Assembly has devolved responsibility for social security benefits. The responsibility for statistics in Northern Ireland lies with the Department for Communities: http://www.communities-ni.gov.uk

Since PIP was introduced 4.1m decisions have been made up to March 2019, of these 10% have been appealed and 5% have been overturned.

Reassessments from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP.

Table 1: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Scotland.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

70

10

10

#

#

0

#

#

2015/16

370

70

20

60

50

#

10

30

2016/17

1,360

210

60

150

100

10

20

60

2017/18

820

140

40

100

70

10

10

40

2018/19

690

120

20

80

60

10

10

20

Table 2: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Wales.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

#

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

150

40

20

20

20

#

0

10

2015/16

250

60

10

50

30

#

#

20

2016/17

930

200

60

150

90

10

10

70

2017/18

430

60

20

50

30

#

#

20

2018/19

240

50

10

20

10

#

0

0

Table 3: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, England.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

#

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

610

110

50

50

40

#

#

30

2015/16

2,720

640

160

470

300

30

40

220

2016/17

9,920

1,970

550

1,400

840

80

140

560

2017/18

7,160

1,380

330

1,040

620

100

70

350

2018/19

6,260

1,220

300

810

500

120

10

80

New Claims to PIP.

Table 4: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Scotland.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

130

20

10

20

10

#

#

#

2014/15

560

110

20

90

40

10

10

20

2015/16

470

120

20

100

40

#

20

20

2016/17

540

130

20

110

50

10

10

30

2017/18

500

110

10

90

40

#

10

30

2018/19

440

100

10

80

30

10

#

10

Table 5: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Wales.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

40

10

#

10

#

0

#

#

2014/15

250

40

10

30

10

#

#

10

2015/16

140

30

10

20

#

0

#

#

2016/17

180

40

#

40

20

#

10

10

2017/18

160

40

10

30

20

0

#

10

2018/19

190

50

10

30

10

#

#

#

Table 6: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, England.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

530

90

30

60

30

10

10

10

2014/15

3,940

650

170

470

180

30

40

100

2015/16

3,240

730

130

600

240

20

60

150

2016/17

3,040

670

90

580

230

30

70

120

2017/18

3,130

740

110

630

280

40

40

160

2018/19

2,780

640

100

450

190

20

#

20

Source: PIP Computer System

All data rounded to the nearest 10. # refers to where there are less than 5 cases.

Components may not sum to totals due to rounding.

In the application process, claimants’ primary disabling condition is only recorded for collation by the Department at assessment.

Data is based on primary disabling condition as recorded on the PIP computer systems. Claimants may often have multiple disabling conditions upon which the decision is based but only the primary condition is shown in these statistics.

The geography relates to the origin of the claim (i.e. derived from claimant’s postcode).

PIP data includes normal rules and special rules for the terminally ill claimants.

Some decisions which are changed at MR, and where the claimant continues to appeal for a higher PIP award, are then changed again at tribunal appeal. Therefore the number of people who had a decision changed at MR and the number of people who had a decision changed at tribunal appeal cannot be added together.

Lapsed appeals are where DWP changed the decision after an appeal was lodged but before it was heard at Tribunal.

Claimants who have received benefit decisions more recently may not yet have had time to complete the claimant journey and progress to an MR and appeal.

12th Jul 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with multiple sclerosis in (a) Scotland, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Wales and (d) England that made a new application for personal independence payment applied for mandatory reconsideration of the decision in each year since 2013, and how many of those people had had their decision (i) overturned and (ii) upheld.

The information requested on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mandatory reconsiderations (MR) and appeals for claimants with a primary disabling condition of Multiple Sclerosis in Scotland, Wales and England can be found in the tables below.

The Northern Irish Assembly has devolved responsibility for social security benefits. The responsibility for statistics in Northern Ireland lies with the Department for Communities: http://www.communities-ni.gov.uk

Since PIP was introduced 4.1m decisions have been made up to March 2019, of these 10% have been appealed and 5% have been overturned.

Reassessments from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP.

Table 1: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Scotland.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

70

10

10

#

#

0

#

#

2015/16

370

70

20

60

50

#

10

30

2016/17

1,360

210

60

150

100

10

20

60

2017/18

820

140

40

100

70

10

10

40

2018/19

690

120

20

80

60

10

10

20

Table 2: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Wales.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

#

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

150

40

20

20

20

#

0

10

2015/16

250

60

10

50

30

#

#

20

2016/17

930

200

60

150

90

10

10

70

2017/18

430

60

20

50

30

#

#

20

2018/19

240

50

10

20

10

#

0

0

Table 3: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for reassessment claims to PIP with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, England.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

#

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2014/15

610

110

50

50

40

#

#

30

2015/16

2,720

640

160

470

300

30

40

220

2016/17

9,920

1,970

550

1,400

840

80

140

560

2017/18

7,160

1,380

330

1,040

620

100

70

350

2018/19

6,260

1,220

300

810

500

120

10

80

New Claims to PIP.

Table 4: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Scotland.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

130

20

10

20

10

#

#

#

2014/15

560

110

20

90

40

10

10

20

2015/16

470

120

20

100

40

#

20

20

2016/17

540

130

20

110

50

10

10

30

2017/18

500

110

10

90

40

#

10

30

2018/19

440

100

10

80

30

10

#

10

Table 5: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, Wales.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

40

10

#

10

#

0

#

#

2014/15

250

40

10

30

10

#

#

10

2015/16

140

30

10

20

#

0

#

#

2016/17

180

40

#

40

20

#

10

10

2017/18

160

40

10

30

20

0

#

10

2018/19

190

50

10

30

10

#

#

#

Table 6: The number of Initial Decisions, MRs and appeals for PIP new claims with a main disabling condition of multiple sclerosis, England.

Financial Year of Initial Decision

Number of Initial Decisions

MRs registered

MRs completed where the initial award was changed

MRs completed where the initial award was not changed

Appeals Lodged

Appeals where the decision was lapsed

Appeals where the decision was maintained

Appeals where the decision was overturned in favour of the claimant

2013/14

530

90

30

60

30

10

10

10

2014/15

3,940

650

170

470

180

30

40

100

2015/16

3,240

730

130

600

240

20

60

150

2016/17

3,040

670

90

580

230

30

70

120

2017/18

3,130

740

110

630

280

40

40

160

2018/19

2,780

640

100

450

190

20

#

20

Source: PIP Computer System

All data rounded to the nearest 10. # refers to where there are less than 5 cases.

Components may not sum to totals due to rounding.

In the application process, claimants’ primary disabling condition is only recorded for collation by the Department at assessment.

Data is based on primary disabling condition as recorded on the PIP computer systems. Claimants may often have multiple disabling conditions upon which the decision is based but only the primary condition is shown in these statistics.

The geography relates to the origin of the claim (i.e. derived from claimant’s postcode).

PIP data includes normal rules and special rules for the terminally ill claimants.

Some decisions which are changed at MR, and where the claimant continues to appeal for a higher PIP award, are then changed again at tribunal appeal. Therefore the number of people who had a decision changed at MR and the number of people who had a decision changed at tribunal appeal cannot be added together.

Lapsed appeals are where DWP changed the decision after an appeal was lodged but before it was heard at Tribunal.

Claimants who have received benefit decisions more recently may not yet have had time to complete the claimant journey and progress to an MR and appeal.

10th Apr 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 2 April 2019 to Question 237196 on Universal Credit: Appeals, what assessment she has made of her Departments capacity to procure a record of data in relation to Universal Credit (work capability) decisions that are subject to an order of a tribunal asking her department to respond within 21 days.

Whatever the issue being disputed, when a Universal Credit appeal is made the Tribunals Service will send the appeal to DWP and ask that it provides an appeal response within 28 days – there is no 21 day rule. The time taken for the response to be provided has been recorded for UC Full Service appeals since 1 April 2019.

26th Mar 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many times a request for a Statement of Reasons pertaining to the allocation of universal credit (limited capability to work) has not been delivered within the statutory time limit of 14 days in each of the last three years for which data are available.

The information requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

26th Mar 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many active universal credit (work capability) decisions, which have been appealed to Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service, are now subject to an order of the tribunal asking her Department to respond within 21 days.

The information requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

21st Feb 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason (a) child maintenance payments are allocated first to (i) enforcement charges and (ii) debt and then to children and (b) there is no provision to retrieve payments which have been allocated incorrectly by the system or manually.

(a)The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) does not prioritise the collection of enforcement charges over on-going maintenance and arrears. Only when all the money due to children, along with any associated collection fees, has been collected, will the CMS collect the remaining charges associated with the case, including enforcement charges. The only exception would be where an enforcement charge forms part of a liability order, which would be collected alongside the other debt associated with that order.

(b)The system does have the Manual Allocation capability, which enables a caseworker to allocate money received across any outstanding liability on a case

12th Nov 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Child Maintenance Service allocates an individual's payments first to their historical collection charges and then to their existing child maintenance liabilities.

On-going maintenance liability and current/existing collection charges will be satisfied before any historical collection charges.