Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure that health and disability assessment centres are accessible to wheelchair users.

All Assessment Centre buildings [operated by Independent Assessment Services (an Atos company), Capita, and the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA)] are compliant with the Equality Act 2010 and are wheelchair accessible.

The assessment providers are required to ensure that the needs of all claimants are considered, including proximity to public transport routes and access to suitable parking. Before attending an assessment, claimants are given the opportunity to alert the assessment provider to any additional requirements they may have. The providers will endeavour to meet any reasonable requests.

If a claimant is unable to travel to, or access an Assessment Centre as a result of their health condition or impairment, a home visit may be offered.