Oral Answers to Questions

Emma Lewell Excerpts

Monday 27th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Steve Race (Exeter) (Lab)]

4. What steps he is taking to support people with health conditions into work.

[Emma Lewell (South Shields) (Lab)]

23. What steps he is taking to support people with health conditions into work.

[The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)]

We are determined to open up opportunities in work for people with health conditions. The Keep Britain Working review will be published soon. In Pathways to Work, we have 1,000 work advisers supporting this group, and we will devolve powers, so that areas can shape their own joined-up local work, health and skills offer.

[Sir Stephen Timms]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The disability employment gap has been stuck at around 30 percentage points ever since 2010. What he refers to in his constituency sounds like a great example of exactly the kind of resource we want to draw on in each area to make sure that disabled people have the opportunities in work that they were denied in the past.

[Emma Lewell]

The Motability scheme provides a lifeline to people with disabilities, allowing them to get to health appointments, study, maintain employment and so much more. Cuts to the scheme risk increased health needs and increased unemployment, which are likely to cost much more than any short-term savings. Does my right hon. Friend agree that before any proposed cuts are implemented, it is vital to carry out a proper impact assessment?

[Sir Stephen Timms]

I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no changes to the eligibility conditions for the mobility component of the personal independence payment, or indeed other aspects of PIP, until the conclusion of the review, which I will be leading and co-producing with disabled people. That is expected to report in autumn next year.