Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Disabled People: Benefits System Support

Monday 24 April 2023 · 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 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Theresa Villiers asked about steps to support disabled people through the benefits system.
  • The response mentioned a White Paper aiming to transform support for disabled people to help them start, stay and succeed in work.
  • Vicky Foxcroft asked for confirmation on the number of individuals in the severe disability test group and details on qualification criteria.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing welfare support.

Question

What steps are being taken to support disabled people through the benefits system?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

Our recent White Paper sets out our ambitions to create a better experience for disabled people when applying for, and receiving, health and disability benefits. Our proposals will transform support, so more disabled people can start, stay and succeed in work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps and details were not provided; only high-level ambitions mentioned.

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Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
Benefits & Welfare
Context

A constituent of the MP faced significant hurdles and delays in obtaining welfare support due to a dysfunctional assessment process.

Question

What is being done to reform assessments and improve the way the benefits system works to help disabled people get the support they need without it feeling like a battle?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

We aim to focus more on what people can do, removing structural barriers to work. Steps include linking expert assessors with particular conditions to help get decisions right first time, reducing assessment burdens, and making changes that prevent fear of losing entitlements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or concrete steps mentioned; general statements provided.

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Q3 Stephen Timms Lab East Ham
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Select Committee on Work and Pensions recommended that all assessments should be recorded to help rectify issues, supported by assessment providers.

Question

Will the Minister give an assurance that he will give serious and sympathetic consideration to the recommendation for recording of assessments?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

I am willing to look at allowing recordings of assessments but will not make specific commitments today, noting the importance of constructive work on welfare reforms. People can already record assessments if they choose.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear commitment or timeline given for recording assessments; willingness to consider mentioned without specifics.

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Q4 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Only 11 individuals are included in the severe disability test group, with little clarity on the definition of severe disability.

Question

Can the Minister confirm today whether the number of individuals in the severe disability test group is correct, provide further details on qualification criteria, and confirm when the Department will start the roll-out?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

Further detail to be provided separately. The severe disability group has an important role, recognizing challenging conditions that do not improve. Roll-out will start as part of White Paper reforms with testing and trialing commitments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific confirmation or timeline given for roll-out; willingness to provide detail separately mentioned.

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