Oral Answers to Questions

Rachael Maskell Excerpts
Monday 26th March 2018

(6 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Very fleet of foot.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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3. If she will take steps to ensure that personal independence payments claimants who have been diagnosed with degenerative medical conditions do not have to undertake a disability assessment.

Sarah Newton Portrait The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work (Sarah Newton)
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Assessments are important, so that people who need support receive the right level. Where there is enough existing evidence to determine benefit entitlement, claimants do not need a face-to-face assessment. We are committed to continuously improving PIP, so that those with degenerative diseases get the support they need in a timely fashion.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell
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People with degenerative neurological conditions, such as motor neurone disease, are still being called for PIP assessments, which is degrading and causes much distress. Will the Minister therefore ensure that the practice ends immediately, so that people’s dignity can be restored?