Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2018 to Question 133913, on Personal Independence Payment: Visual Impairment, for what reason the Certificate of Visual Impairment is deemed not to provide sufficient information for a comprehensive assessment of functional visual ability.

The assessment for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) looks at an individual’s ability to carry out a series of key everyday activities which are fundamental to living an independent life. These activities include their ability to prepare, cook and eat food, dress and undress, make budgeting decisions, manage and monitor their health condition, engage with other people, and plan and follow journeys. The Certificate of Visual Impairment provides information on visual ability but is insufficient for a comprehensive assessment of the extent to which a claimant is capable of carrying out the various PIP activities independently.