Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2018 to Question 146881 on Personal Independence Payments, for what reason informal observations is a criterion for a decision-makers in coming to a decision.

Guidance on how a Health Professional should conduct a face-to-face appointment for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), including what to record in the assessment, is in Part 1of the PIP Assessment Guide.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/684001/pip-assessment-guide-part-1-assessment-process.pdf

Paragraphs 1.6.31 to 1.6.34 make clear that informal observations are an important part of the suite of evidence a Decision Maker will use to help them determine entitlement to benefit.

In particular para 1.6.31 states:

"Informal observations are of importance to the consultation, as they can reveal abilities and limitations not mentioned in the claimant questionnaire, supporting evidence or during the history taking for the face-to-face consultation. They may also show discrepancies between the reported need and the actual needs of the claimant. However it is important to balance informal observations with evidence from professionals who may have observed the claimant more regularly."