Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Shaping future support: the health and disability green paper, published on 20 July 2021, if she will take steps to introduce audio recording of disability benefit assessments by default with an option for applicants to opt out.

Currently claimants can request an audio recording in advance of their benefit assessment.

The consultation period for the Shaping Future Support: The Health and Disability Green Paper ended on 11 October 2021. We are currently considering responses, including in relation to the audio recording of assessments. We intend to publish a White Paper in mid-2022.