Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Penny Mordaunt and Philip Hollobone

Monday 20th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Penny Mordaunt]

There are 70,000 more people making use of the Motability scheme than there were in 2010. The hon. Lady will know that there are improvements that we want to make to the Motability scheme. We have been working very closely with that independent organisation; we are now attending its board meetings and are able to work much more strategically. I have spoken at length, so I will not repeat it, about the areas where we wish to see better customer service. We hope to be able to make some announcements shortly.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

Will the Minister make strong representations to the Ministry of Justice that it should reduce the length of time that unsuccessful claimants are having to wait for their tribunal, so that they can process their claim successfully?

[Penny Mordaunt]

We are concerned with all aspects of the claims process, whether for ESA or PIP. We want this to be swift and admin-lite, and we have some opportunities, which I have already outlined, to achieve both those things.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Penny Mordaunt and Philip Hollobone

Monday 17th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

17. What proportion of (a) personal independence payment and (b) employment support allowance applications are awarded on appeal to a tribunal.

[The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work (Penny Mordaunt)]

For PIP, it is 3%; and for ESA, it is 14%.

[Mr Hollobone]

What main reasons has the Minister identified for why valid claims are ending up in the tribunal, and what changes to procedures can she suggest so that the Department awards these valid applications either in the first place or on reconsideration?

[Penny Mordaunt]

As I stated previously, we have been doing some work in this area. One of the key things that will help is ensuring that we have more flexibility early on in the process so that where cases are complex, the evidence is submitted. There is also huge scope for using the information that the Government, and different parts of the Government, have to cut down on the bureaucracy altogether. The Green Paper will look at all these issues.