Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Disabled People: Trust in DWP

Monday 7 February 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister disagrees with assertions about improper handling of NatCen report and breach of social research protocol.
  • Minister confirms engagement with regional stakeholder networks to include diverse disabled voices in Government work.
  • Minister states work is ongoing to ensure benefits reach those in need quickly, disputing claims of long delays and high tribunal rates.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Timms Lab East Ham
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Department for Work and Pensions' social security advisory committee highlighted a year ago that disabled individuals lack trust in the department. Burying the NatCen report, which detailed these issues, is seen as exacerbating distrust. The improper consultation on the national disability strategy has been found to breach legal standards.

Question

I am concerned about the social security advisory committee's recommendation last year that disabled people do not trust DWP and that burying the NatCen report worsened this situation. Improper consultation on the national disability strategy was found illegal. Should the Minister accept the committee's advice to establish a protocol for proper engagement with disabled individuals?

Answer from Chloe Smith

I want to engage more with disabled people and listen to them through various methods. However, I disagree with the assertion about the NatCen research and its breach of the cross-Government social research protocol, as protecting a private space for policy development has always been permissible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask to accept the committee's recommendation was not directly addressed

How: Disagreeing With The Assertion About Breach Of Protocol

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Q2 Stephen Timms Lab East Ham
Benefits & Welfare Standards & Ethics
Context

The Minister has been working closely with leading health and disability charities.

Question

In addition to the Minister's work with health and disability charities, can she confirm that she is engaged with regional stakeholder networks to ensure a diverse range of disabled voices shapes Government work?

Answer from Chloe Smith

I am indeed fully engaged with regional stakeholder networks to listen to and incorporate a wide range of disability voices. We need this diversity to inform our decisions correctly.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q3 Justin Tomlinson Con
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The NatCen report highlighted a hostile environment for disabled people in the DWP, with cruel assessments leading to long delays and appeals.

Question

Considering the harsh assessments, lengthy delays before decisions are made, and extended waiting times at tribunals, can the Minister understand why thousands of disabled individuals feel let down by the Department? What steps will she take to reduce these issues?

Answer from Chloe Smith

We are working to ensure benefits reach those who need them as quickly as possible, but I disagree with the assertion that most claims go to tribunals or reconsideration. The facts were presented last week.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding actions to reduce delays and unfair waiting times was not directly addressed

How: Disagreeing With The Assertion About Most Claims

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Q4 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
Education Employment
Context

The Minister has welcomed the British Sign Language Bill and a commitment to improving support for BSL users through the Access to Work Scheme.

Question

Welcoming the British Sign Language Bill, will the Minister commit to advancing this important legislation quickly to ensure more deaf individuals are supported in reaching their potential?

Answer from Chloe Smith

We are committed to advancing the British Sign Language Bill, which aims to improve education, employment, and societal engagement of deaf people. This is important work that we aim to progress quickly.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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