Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what impact the Condition Insight Report for Valproate has had on personal independence payment decisions for people with fetal valproate spectrum disorder since its introduction in August 2020.

Both Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment providers have a Condition Insight Report (CIR) on Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder, which all their Health Professionals (HPs) have access to during the course of the PIP assessment process. CIRs are often developed with input from stakeholder groups that advocate for those with the relevant condition.

While it is not possible to objectively assess the specific impact of a CIR on HPs’ knowledge, the CIR on Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder is a welcome addition to the information available to HPs. DWP Case Managers are responsible for making decisions on PIP entitlement, based on all the evidence submitted, including the advice given by HPs.