Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the length of time it takes for a Personal Independence Payment appeal to reach tribunal stage.

Appeals against a DWP benefit decision are lodged with, and administered by, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).

We know that waiting for an appeal to be heard can be a stressful experience. That is why the DWP and HMCTS are working together, both to reduce the volume of cases going to appeal, and to reduce the length of time it takes for appeals to be heard.

The DWP is working with HMCTS to develop a new digital system, with a view to enabling quicker processing of appeals and a better service for all parties to the proceedings. Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance claimants can now submit their appeal online.