Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to reinstate in-person interviews for all applicants for sickness benefits.

We already undertake a number of face-to-face health assessments for people applying for sickness benefits. However, as announced in Pathways to Work Green Paper, we are planning to increase the number of face-to-face assessments. We will preserve alternative health assessment channels to meet the specific needs of people who require a different channel, for example as a reasonable adjustment.