Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the effect of the 20 metre rule in personal independence payment criteria on the (a) level of support received by people living with multiple sclerosis and (b) costs to other Departments of providing related services.

The information requested to estimate the effect of the 20 metre rule in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on the level of support received by people with multiple sclerosis is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. 52 per cent of claimants whose main disabling condition is recorded as being multiple sclerosis receive the highest level of support under PIP, compared to just 39 per cent Disability Living Allowance.

The Department does not hold the data requested on the costs to other Departments of providing related services.

The 20 metre distance was introduced in PIP to distinguish those whose mobility is significantly more limited than others and who face even greater barriers on a day to day basis – those who have the highest need.

Individuals who can walk more than 20 metres can still receive the enhanced rate of the PIP mobility component, if they cannot do so safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time period.