Contributions
1,278 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDisability Benefits: AssessmentsThe right hon. Member will be aware that the Government have set out that there will be transitional cash protection. There was the statistical release that we undertook to make…04 Sept 2023HANSARDPersonal Independence Payment AssessmentsI am grateful to the hon. Lady for her interest in this issue. Through the White Paper reforms, we have advocated for a number of tests and trials, including one that focuses…04 Sept 2023HANSARDUnsuccessful Benefit Decisions Overturned on AppealOur aim is to make the right decision as early as possible in a claim. In 2022-23, there were 80,000 social security and child support appeal tribunal hearings, with 50,000…04 Sept 2023HANSARDDisability Benefits: AssessmentsAbsolutely; that engagement is ongoing. We must move forward reform of the work capability assessment in a careful and measured way. We think that is the right approach to take,…04 Sept 2023HANSARDPersonal Independence Payment AssessmentsI am fortunate that my hon. Friend was one of my predecessors as Minister for Disabled People, as he is a tireless campaigner on these issues and has done much to take the agenda…04 Sept 2023HANSARDPersonal Independence Payment AssessmentsThe waiting time for PIP decisions has come down considerably in recent times, but I am not complacent about that, as we want to go further in seeing those waits reduced. For…04 Sept 2023HANSARDDisability Benefits: AssessmentsThere is ongoing work to review the cost of living payments that the Government have made available in the current climate. I anticipate that the results will come forward over…04 Sept 2023HANSARDUnsuccessful Benefit Decisions Overturned on AppealThere is no advantage to anybody in the right outcome not being achieved at the very earliest point. The hon. Lady asks why we often see tribunals reach different decisions. There…04 Sept 2023HANSARDPersonal Independence Payment AssessmentsAssessments play an important part in ensuring people get the right entitlement. It is the claimant’s chance to give all the information needed to help make the right decision.…04 Sept 2023HANSARDAccess to WorkAccess to Work has received a significant increase in applications over the past year and has recruited new staff to meet the increased demand and reduce the time it takes to make…04 Sept 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI would obviously want to see the details of the case in question before commenting on it, so perhaps the hon. Member could kindly share those details with me. One of the things…04 Sept 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsIf people wish to have a face-to-face assessment, they ought to be able to have one—that is the position. There are claimants for whom a different form of assessment—a telephone…04 Sept 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe have made available a diversity of assessment channels to people, but the key point is that anybody who wants to have a face-to-face appointment is able to have one. They can…04 Sept 2023HANSARDAccess to WorkFor the House’s benefit, let me provide the full-time equivalent staffing levels in the Access to Work team a full six months ago and once the staff at Bradford have moved to…04 Sept 2023HANSARDAccess to WorkLike the hon. Gentleman, I am passionate about the positive difference that Access to Work makes in terms of opening up employment opportunities for people. He will be aware of…04 Sept 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI am very appreciative of citizens advice bureaux around the country for all the work they do in supporting constituents in each of our constituencies. In the interests of time, I…04 Sept 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI do not accept the hon. Lady’s characterisation of the situation. We have followed all of the committee’s procedures; we are engaging with this process in good faith and will…04 Sept 2023HANSARDAccess to WorkI am sure the hon. Gentleman will be pleased to know that, last week, 88% of claims were paid within 10 days and that we are taking steps to drive further improvement. The online…04 Sept 2023HANSARDDisability Benefits: AssessmentsIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Gary. I thank colleagues across the House for their contributions to the debate, and I particularly thank the Petitions…04 Sept 2023HANSARDDisability Action Plan: Consultation PublicationThis Government set out in their manifesto a commitment to transform the everyday lives of disabled people across the country, working to make this country the most accessible…18 Jul 2023