Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of repeated disability benefit assessments on the mental and physical wellbeing of claimants, including people with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions; and whether her Department has assessed the potential merits of considering evidence of a long-term health condition or disability submitted through an assessment for a different welfare benefit, including across applications for Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit.

The Timms Review is considering the role of PIP in enabling disabled people and those with long-term health conditions to live independently and participate fully in society, and how it can remain fair and fit for the future. Listening to the lived experience and expertise of disabled people, including concerns about repeat assessments, is critical to the Review’s success. The Review will report its recommendations to the Secretary of State in the Autumn.