Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Personal Independence Payment: People with Multiple Sclerosis

Monday 13 November 2023 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial review of the Personal Independence Payment assessment process for people with multiple sclerosis is under consideration.
  • Department officials are looking to enhance the delivery of personal independence payments for fluctuating health conditions.
  • Testing and piloting of automatic entitlement for those with degenerative conditions like MS is underway in collaboration with NHS and professional societies.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
NHS Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Collaboration with Scottish Ministers on specific criteria or automatic entitlement for MS sufferers was not explicitly confirmed.

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Q2 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
NHS Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific criteria for automatic entitlement or clear collaboration on MS sufferer's rights was not addressed.

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Q3 Justin Tomlinson Con
NHS Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific confirmation on automatic entitlement was not provided.

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