Personal Independence Payment People with Multiple Sclerosis 2023-11-13
2023-11-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the high prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Orkney, leading to issues with PIP assessments failing to adequately handle fluctuating conditions.
If he will undertake a review of the Personal Independence Payment assessment process for people with multiple sclerosis. We now have the adult disability payment in Scotland, but that still uses some eligibility criteria from the current system. Will he speak to Scottish Ministers to ensure we have a system that works for every MS sufferer?
The Department closely monitors all aspects of the assessment process, including how we assess fluctuating health conditions such as multiple sclerosis. We are looking at ways to enhance the delivery of personal independence payments and would be keen to talk Scottish Ministers about the tests and trials to help capture fluctuating conditions better.
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Assessment & feedback
Collaboration with Scottish Ministers on specific criteria or automatic entitlement for MS sufferers was not explicitly confirmed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The high prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Orkney highlights the need for a review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, which struggles to handle fluctuating conditions.
Orkney has the highest prevalence of MS anywhere. The current PIP assessments do not cope well with fluctuating conditions, leading to issues for MS sufferers. Will he speak to Scottish Ministers to ensure we have a system that works for every MS sufferer?
I have a strong working relationship with Ministers in Scotland, and I would be keen to talk them about the tests and trials we are introducing. These aim to better capture fluctuating conditions early in the claim journey.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific criteria for automatic entitlement or clear collaboration on MS sufferer's rights was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The changes to special rules for the terminally ill and principles of severe conditions criteria highlight a need to address unnecessary assessments for those with degenerative diseases like MS.
Will the Minister confirm that as part of testing and piloting, the Department is looking at potential automatic entitlement for those with degenerative conditions such as MS?
My hon. Friend has been a strong advocate for severe disability group work. Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the British Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine have agreed to partner with the DWP to test SDG, aiming to reduce assessment burden where inappropriate.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific confirmation on automatic entitlement was not provided.
Response accuracy