Petitions

Martyn Day Excerpts

Tuesday 24th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

I rise to present a petition relating to the personal independence payments assessment criteria and process. Before I read it, I would like to add that this issue is the single greatest source of requests for home visits from my constituents. Many are disabled with degenerative conditions and are totally stressed out by the process.

The petition states:

The petition of the residents of Linlithgow and Falkirk East,

Declares that the petitioners believe that Personal Independent Payment (PIP) forms are extremely complex; further that assessors do not fully understand the impacts of all disabilities; and further that the current rules are leading to many recipients unfairly losing their benefits and thus having to go through a very stressful appeal process which worsens their condition.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to undertake a full review of the PIP claims process and in particular to ensure that the assessment criteria are fit for purpose; further that PIP claim forms are simplified; further that staff training and guidance are improved to ensure better decisions; and further that lifetime PIP awards be made to people with the most severe conditions and deteriorating condition.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P002066]