Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to help ensure that women with autism and/or ADHD are consulted in order that their lived experience informs review processes for (a) personal independence payment, (b) universal credit, (c) employment support allowance and (d) severe disability premium.

Throughout the consultation period of ‘Shaping Future Support: The Health and Disability Green Paper’ we held events with disabled people, people with health conditions, and their representatives. Prior to the formal launch of the consultation, Members from both sides of the House hosted organisations and individuals from their own constituencies. The Department is currently reviewing responses to the Green Paper, which consider the full range of health and disability benefits, and we remain committed to responding with a White Paper next year.

In addition to this, both Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Providers have Health Condition Insight Reports that cover Autism specifically. These are completed by representative groups providing insights from real life examples to describe common issues faced by the people they support. One Provider has developed a podcast on ADHD available to all their Health Providers and both Providers are keen to continue their engagement with stakeholders on autism and ADHD.

We will continue to engage stakeholders regularly, particularly on future disability benefit reform.