Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the rising cost of living on the adequacy of (a) personal independence payments and (b) universal credit for people with fluctuating conditions including Multiple Sclerosis.

The Secretary of State undertakes an annual review of benefits and pensions. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) is the main measure of UK inflation. CPI in the year to September (published by the Office for National Statistics in October) is the latest figure that the Secretary of State can use to allow sufficient time for the required legislative and operational changes before new rates can be introduced at the start of the new financial year. From April 2022 benefits and pensions will increase by 3.1%, in line with the CPI.

Disability benefits are not means–tested, non-contributory and thus paid regardless of any income or savings. PIP and DLA were not subject to the benefits freeze.