Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Western and Robin Swann

Monday 12th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)]

5. What steps her Department is taking to help increase the accuracy of personal independence payment assessments.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)]

The Department is committed to ensuring that individuals receive high-quality and accurate assessments. Assessment suppliers are closely monitored using a range of performance measures designed to improve the accuracy of their advice. Independent audits are conducted to maintain high standards, and as part of our pathways to work proposals we are considering recording assessments as standard to increase transparency and build trust in the system.

[Robin Swann]

Data shared with me by Dermot Devlin from Disabled People Against Cuts shows that £50 million has been spent on PIP appeals in the past year alone, and also that His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has reported that over 70% of those PIP appeals have been successful. When people are put through the harrowing process of being told that their PIP appeal is not appropriate and having to go through the entire appeal system, what are Ministers doing to ensure that any changes make that system friendly to those using it?