Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she conduct an impact assessment for her Department's policy requiring people whose entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for a fixed period was established by the First Tier Tribunal to reapply for that benefit rather than have it reviewed through a PIP review form; and if she will make an assessment of the effect of that policy on the ability of disabled people to meet the additional costs of their disability or condition.

As explained in my answer to Question 156258 on 2 March, a First Tier Tribunal considering an appeal against a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision also considers the length of any award it may make. The length of award will be based on the individual’s needs and the likelihood of those changing. If the Tribunal gives a short, fixed-term award then it is indicating that the claimant’s limitations are likely to improve to the point they would not be entitled at the end of their PIP award. As claimants can continue to receive benefit under a new award in a similar way to someone having their award reviewed, no requirement for an Impact Assessment was established. The Department is currently reviewing the approach to Fixed Term Awards including where awarded after Tribunal.