Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the time taken for Personal Independence Payment assessments which impact the (a) application for and (b) renewal of Blue Badges.

We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner. Reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service, which is kept under regular review.

We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all available evidence, including that from the claimant.

The provision of Blue Badges is a devolved matter and administered by Local Authorities, using Department of Transport guidelines. Access to a Blue Badge is available to people who are not in receipt of a qualifying mobility benefit through a separate assessment carried out by the Local Authority.