Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will ensure that people who lose access to benefits as a result of a PIP reassessment are eligible for legal aid for expenses for any appeal against that decision.

The Government is committed to making sure that legal aid is available to those who need it most, and for the high priority cases that require it such as those detained under mental health legislation, or parents who are facing their children being taken into care.

Legal aid remains available for appeals or applications for leave to appeal to the Upper Tribunal, subject to the applicant meeting the statutory tests of means and merits. Funding may also be available under the exceptional case funding scheme, where it is required by law.

The Government’s reform programme will modernise the courts and tribunal system, improving the experience of everyone who comes into contact with it. We will make sure that the provision of legal support reflects the new way that the justice system works.