Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average end-to-end clearance time for a Universal Credit Work Capability Assessment was in each month since January 2025 for (a) new and (b) existing claimants.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The department regularly publishes Universal Credit Work Capability Assessment statistics and the development of clearance times is detailed in the release strategy for those statistics. Further details on the future publication of clearance times will be published in the DWP Statistical Work Programme in due course.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) new and (b) existing claimants were waiting for a Universal Credit Work Capability Assessment in each month since January 2025.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Universal Credit Work Capability Assessments were undertaken in each month since August 2025 for (a) new and (b) existing claimants.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future.
We will co-produce the Review with disabled people, and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly.
We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to support disabled people who (a) are too ill to work and (b) score less than 3 points under Pathways to Work.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We have committed to introduce a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This will target PIP at people who have a higher level of functional need in at least one area. Our intention is that the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
We are mindful of the impact this change to PIP eligibility could have on people. That is why we have committed that existing claimants who lose eligibility as a result of these changes will continue to receive PIP and its associated benefits and entitlements for 13 weeks following their award review. This protection is non-negotiable and will be included on the face of the Bill. This transitional cover is one of the most generous ever and more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.
Meanwhile, in the Green Paper we are consulting on what else is needed to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure that health and eligible care needs are met.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will ensure that people in receipt of Carers Allowance will to continue to receive that allowance if the person being cared for is no longer in receipt of social security support.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting people with long-term health conditions and disabilities, and this Government recognises and appreciates the vital contribution made by all unpaid carers. Carer’s Allowance recognises this contribution and reflects the reduced earnings potential of people providing unpaid care to a friend, neighbour or relative who is in receipt of an additional-needs disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
As the Government introduces changes to PIP eligibility, it is mindful of the potential impact on unpaid carers. Under the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill we have committed to introduce a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This will target payments at people who have a higher level of functional need in at least one area. Our intention is that the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. It also commits to providing a 13-week run-on for existing PIP claimants who – at their next award review – are no longer eligible for that benefit as a result of these changes. This is to allow for a longer period of adjustment. During this period, Carer’s Allowance will also continue to be payable where a friend, neighbour or relative is providing 35 hours or more of care to the PIP recipient.
The Government will continue to listen to views on wider support for people with long-term health conditions and disabilities, including support provided to them by unpaid carers.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to take steps to ensure that work-trial schemes allow people to return to previous levels of social security if they are not successful.
Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The DWP Work Trial scheme is one of several DWP initiatives that support jobseekers into sustainable work. Allowing some jobseekers who have successfully applied for a job, to do that job for a short unpaid period, whilst retaining benefits.
Specifically, a Work Trial can help jobseekers overcome any doubts about whether they can manage their new job alongside other commitments such as caring responsibilities or managing their disability or health condition. On top of this, DWP will offer to support the jobseeker with certain expenses incurred for the duration of the Work Trial.
Work Trials allow both the jobseeker and employer to ensure the job fits both parties before becoming an employee.
If the Work Trial does not result in ongoing employment the jobseeker will retain their benefit, and their entitlement does not change unless their circumstances do. More information on Work Trials can be found at https://www.gov.uk/jobcentre-plus-help-for-rcruiters/work-trials.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to support children of disabled people who have had PIP removed.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
PIP provides a contribution to the extra costs an individual faces as a result of needs arising from a long-term health condition or disability. It is not an income replacement benefit.
We have committed to introduce a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This will target PIP at people who have a higher level of functional need in at least one area. Our intention is that the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
We are mindful of the impact this change to PIP eligibility could have on people. That is why we have committed that existing claimants who lose eligibility as a result of these changes will continue to receive PIP and its associated benefits and entitlements for 13 weeks following their award review. This protection is non-negotiable and will be included on the face of the Bill. This transitional cover is one of the most generous ever and more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.
Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is a priority for this Government, and we will bring forward the Child Poverty Strategy in the Autumn, exploring all available levers to drive forward short and long-term actions across government to reduce child poverty.
Further steps are being taken to support households facing the greatest hardship and financial crisis. We provided £1 billion, including Barnett impact, to extend the Household Support Fund in England and Discretionary Housing Payments in England and Wales in 2025-2026. And we have now announced reform to crisis support, including the first multi-year settlement for a new Crisis and Resilience Fund in England.
We are increasing the Living Wage, uprating benefits and supporting 700,000 of the poorest families by introducing a Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions to help low-income households. We also recognise that the basic rate of Universal Credit is too low. That is why for the first time since 1980 we are increasing the core unemployment benefit by more than inflation on a sustained and permanent basis, subject to parliamentary approval, as part of our welfare reform.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that people who lose (a) PIP and (b) the Universal Credit health element have timely access to (a) psychological services and (b) suicide prevention professionals during the transition period.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We are aware from working closely with health colleagues that there is increased anxiety relating to the Green Paper changes resulting in people seeking health related support.
We want to reassure people that the changes to PIP will not come into effect immediately. The changes will apply from November 2026 at a person’s next award review. If an existing claimant loses eligibility to PIP, they will continue to receive their full entitlement for 13 weeks after their award review. This will provide time for individuals to respond to their new situation, including accessing employment support if appropriate. This transitional cover is more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.
Through the Pathways to Work Green Paper, the Department is consulting on what else is needed to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure that health and eligible care needs are met. The Department has secured the first ever multi year settlement for the household support fund – now the crisis and resilience fund, which gives councils certainty about the money they are getting to help people struggling. Guidance has been issued strongly encouraging Local Authorities in England to support disabled people using the Household Support Fund through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund which starts from April 2026
However, we do recognise this will still be concerning for people - and that, as a department, we come into contact with some claimants who have complex needs or are vulnerable. The department already has processes in place to support and safeguard people who use our services, and we will continue to provide this support as changes are taken forward.
If someone within a job centre is identified as being at risk of suicide, there is the 6-point plan that will be invoked. We already have robust safeguarding processes in place during the assessments where our trained health care professionals can make contact with the claimant’s GP or mental health team if they are concerned that there has been or is a risk of deterioration to the mental or physical health of an individual.
We want to go further so that there is a clear and transparent process in place to ensure vulnerable individuals are adequately supported. In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we have committed to undertaking a thorough review of our current approach to safeguarding, with the aim of developing and implementing a new departmental-wide approach.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to social security payments after a three month transition period on disabled people.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We are aware from working closely with health colleagues that there is increased anxiety relating to the Green Paper changes resulting in people seeking health related support.
We want to reassure people that the changes to PIP will not come into effect immediately. The changes will apply from November 2026 at a person’s next award review. If an existing claimant loses eligibility to PIP, they will continue to receive their full entitlement for 13 weeks after their award review. This will provide time for individuals to respond to their new situation, including accessing employment support if appropriate. This transitional cover is more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.
Through the Pathways to Work Green Paper, the Department is consulting on what else is needed to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure that health and eligible care needs are met. The Department has secured the first ever multi year settlement for the household support fund – now the crisis and resilience fund, which gives councils certainty about the money they are getting to help people struggling. Guidance has been issued strongly encouraging Local Authorities in England to support disabled people using the Household Support Fund through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund which starts from April 2026
However, we do recognise this will still be concerning for people - and that, as a department, we come into contact with some claimants who have complex needs or are vulnerable. The department already has processes in place to support and safeguard people who use our services, and we will continue to provide this support as changes are taken forward.
If someone within a job centre is identified as being at risk of suicide, there is the 6-point plan that will be invoked. We already have robust safeguarding processes in place during the assessments where our trained health care professionals can make contact with the claimant’s GP or mental health team if they are concerned that there has been or is a risk of deterioration to the mental or physical health of an individual.
We want to go further so that there is a clear and transparent process in place to ensure vulnerable individuals are adequately supported. In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we have committed to undertaking a thorough review of our current approach to safeguarding, with the aim of developing and implementing a new departmental-wide approach.