PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
PIP Application Process - 11 November 2024 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

Debate Detail

Contributions from Sir Stephen Timms, are highlighted with a yellow border.
LD
Ian Roome
North Devon
2. What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the personal independence payment application process.
  14:39:59
Sir Stephen Timms
The Minister for Social Security and Disability
The application process for personal independence payment is being kept under review. An online process is being trialled and we are looking at further potential improvements.
  14:39:59
Ian Roome
One of my constituents in receipt of PIP is sight-impaired, deaf-blind registered and cannot use a phone or fill out forms. Can the Minister tell me why PIP reassessments are being scheduled for people with incurable disabilities and terminal illnesses?
  14:39:59
Sir Stephen Timms
The hon. Gentleman raises a very fair point. It is, of course, important that we keep the awards under review, because sometimes they go up as well as down and we want to ensure that the support being provided is appropriate for the claimant. We also need to ensure that the process is accessible—I agree with him about that. Help can be provided to manage the assessment process. If he would like to send me more details about his constituent, I would be glad to see what we can do to help.
Mr Speaker
I call the Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee.
Lab
Debbie Abrahams
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Yesterday, it was reported in the Sunday papers that a blind woman with additional complex needs had her PIP assessment over the phone, which was approved, but was then sent a letter to confirm that. The charity Sense says that over half the people it surveyed feel humiliated by the process. I know my right hon. Friend is very keen to get this right, so will he expand a little more on the type of things the Department is changing?
  14:39:59
Mr Speaker
Before the Minister replies, may I ask Members to look at the Chair, as third party, when they are asking or answering questions? I am being cut out. Those are not my rules but those of the House on how we should address each other, so if anybody has a problem, please have a word with the Clerks.
Sir Stephen Timms
My hon. Friend raises a very important point. Indeed, she and I worked on an excellent Select Committee report on health assessments for benefits, which provides some very important and valuable recommendations to the Department. We will continue to look at this issue. I am not familiar with the case that she refers to, but I will dig out the details. Clearly, it is vital that the process should be accessible to people with sight impairments or any other impairments. I completely agree with her.

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