Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

What steps she is taking to ensure that assessments for health and disability benefits are conducted safely during the covid-19 outbreak.

In March 2020, to ensure safety, we paused face-to-face assessments and assessed through paper-based review, telephone and video assessments. Working with providers and the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, we developed guidance to ensure the re-opening of assessment centres and resumption of face-to-face assessments can be conducted safely. Face-to-face will initially be for claimants unable to be assessed through other means.