Disabled People Benefit System
2020-06-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Discussions on support measures for disabled individuals during the pandemic.
What recent discussions has Mims Davies had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the effectiveness of the benefit system for supporting disabled people?
We remain committed to ensuring that the benefit system is effective and positive in supporting disabled people. That includes several measures, such as suspending face-to-face assessments, extending personal independence payment awards where necessary, and increasing the universal credit standard allowance and local housing allowance rates.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Concerns about the disproportionate impact of health conditions and social security support during the pandemic.
We know that people with existing health conditions are more likely to become seriously ill with or succumb to covid-19 than the population as a whole. For example, more than one in four of all people who have died of covid in hospital in England also had diabetes. What assessment have the Government undertaken of the proportion of people with health conditions in receipt of social security support who have also died of covid?
I thank the hon. Lady for raising an important issue. The Department for Work and Pensions looks to identify and learn lessons swiftly. The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, my hon. Friend the Member for North Swindon is engaging extensively and holding conversations with charities and stakeholders on exactly these kinds of issues so that we can understand the impact on the most vulnerable.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy