Contributions
635 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPIP Application ProcessWe are currently reviewing the application process for all personal independence payment claimants. Building on our covid response PIP 2 online service, whereby claimants can…17 May 2021HANSARDCovronavirus, Disability and Access to ServicesIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Graham. I, too, want to put on record my personal tribute to Cheryl Gillan—a sad loss. No parliamentarian did more to…15 Apr 2021HANSARDCovronavirus, Disability and Access to ServicesThat is a fair challenge. I do not have the answer, but I will certainly make sure that the Secretary of State for Education gives a clear response to that question. While the…15 Apr 2021HANSARDTopical QuestionsAlthough the vast majority of people who access their benefits get the outcome they were hoping for, we recognise the need for continuous improvements, which we make working hand…08 Mar 2021HANSARDSelf-isolation: Financial BarriersThe Government have delivered an unprecedented package of support during the pandemic. Where they are eligible, financial support for those self-isolating in line with Government…08 Mar 2021HANSARDPIP Application Process: Disabled PeopleWe have made a series of improvements to the personal independence payment claimant experience following research and two independent reviews. Building on that, the forthcoming…08 Mar 2021HANSARDPIP Application Process: Disabled PeopleI thank the hon. Member for that question, and I would be delighted to do that. I know that she has been very proactive on a number of issues in my area over the years, and I…08 Mar 2021HANSARDPIP Application Process: Disabled PeopleWhile I cannot comment on individual cases, when we tackle any of these serious issues, we put a great amount of thought and care into doing so. That is why the Department set up…08 Mar 2021HANSARDBenefit Claimants: Repeat AssessmentsWe stopped regular assessments for people with severe conditions for work capability assessment and personal independence payment claimants with the highest level of needs which…08 Mar 2021HANSARDBenefit Claimants: Repeat AssessmentsMy hon. Friend raises an important point. One lesson we can take from these unprecedented times is to look to extend the principle of the severe conditions criteria and, where…08 Mar 2021HANSARDReview of Special Rules for Terminal IllnessThe Department is committed to delivering an improved benefit system for claimants nearing the end of their lives, and we are working across Government to bring forward changes.08 Mar 2021HANSARDReview of Special Rules for Terminal IllnessI thank the hon. Member for raising that important point, referring to someone who qualifies under special rules for terminal illness normally having an award for three years. The…08 Mar 2021HANSARDSelf-isolation: Financial BarriersWhile the £500 test and trace scheme payment is rightly targeted at those most in need, we have also provided local authorities with £35 million for discretionary payments, and we…08 Mar 2021HANSARDContracted-out Health AssessmentsThroughout the pandemic we have ensured that disability benefits remain open and we are committed to ensuring that claimants receive a high-quality, consistent and efficient…08 Mar 2021HANSARDContracted-out Health AssessmentsWe have increased, in real terms, by £3 billion the support provided to those with disabilities and health conditions, through disability benefits. All of our assessors have at…08 Mar 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Disabled People and their CarersDisabled people and their carers have access to the full range of social security benefits according to their circumstances. DWP Ministers and officials regularly discuss support…08 Mar 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Disabled People and their CarersI thank the hon. Lady for raising a very important point about disability employment. The Government are very proud that we delivered record disability employment—it is up 1.4…08 Mar 2021HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank the hon. Member for this question. While there were delays to the review because of covid, we are committed to the three themes that have come out of it: raising…08 Mar 2021HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank the over 15,000 individuals and organisations who have already responded to the national strategy pre-consultation. However, this is only part of our extensive stakeholder…08 Mar 2021HANSARDTopical QuestionsYes, I would be happy to host such a meeting. I know that the hon. Member has a long-standing track record of raising very important issues in this area.08 Mar 2021