Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to ensure that people are safeguarded from serious harm as a result of the new policies currently under consultation in relation to Personal Independence Payments.

The purpose of the consultation is to open a conversation on Personal Independence Payment. The consultation is guided by three priorities: providing the right support to the people who need it most; targeting our resources most effectively; and supporting disabled people and people with long-term health conditions to live independently and reach their full potential. As we develop any proposals, we will carefully consider the impacts of any potential changes.

We recognise that as a Department we come into contact with some claimants who are potentially very vulnerable. We have a range of policies and procedures in place to help those individuals with difficult personal circumstances and/or life events to access benefits and use our services and will continue to provide this support should any changes be taken forward as a result of the consultation.