Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will publish the Government's position on fee paying and no win no fee organisations, who complete benefit applications such as PIP and attendance allowance for constituents which are inaccurate; and if he will consider whether regulation of these services ought to be extended to protect vulnerable applicants.

We are aware of the proliferation of claims management companies who charge a fee and would advise claimants to think very carefully before using such services.

Free help, support and advice on claiming Personal Independent Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance is widely available. There is no need for claimants to pay for advice and support. We remain committed to protecting claimants from poor quality or misleading or exploitative practices.

The Department continues to monitor developments in this area and is considering whether further measures are necessary to strengthen protections for claimants and maintain confidence in the benefits system.