Disability Benefits Assessments — [Sir Gary Streeter in the Chair]

He highlighted two cases involving constituents who faced difficulties in securing disability benefits. He detailed how Susan's claim for new-style ESA expired due to medical examinations being suspended during the pandemic, leaving her without a decision or appeal right. Andy also described Aaron Merharban's tragic case where the assessment process allegedly contributed to his death from epilepsy and anxiety.

I am concerned about the high levels of deprivation and poverty in Cynon Valley, with one of the highest rates of deaths from covid and the highest rate of economic inactivity in the UK. The social security claims process is described as dehumanising, stigmatising, complicated, drawn out, unfair, and lacking faith and trust. Over 67% of PIP appeals at tribunal are overturned in favour of applicants, highlighting issues with the system. Outsourcing benefits delivery to private firms without experience in this sector is a significant concern.

Welcomed comments in the Green Paper that echo his experience as a constituency MP. Emphasised the need for greater flexibility and removing rigidity in the system, especially around assessments. Highlighted the importance of putting people at the heart of the process and enabling them to live full lives irrespective of their disability.

Debbie Abrahams supported calls for an independent public inquiry into the deaths of claimants who have gone through work capability and PIP assessment processes, emphasising the need to understand the causes and scale of these deaths.

Florence holds a virtual meeting with disabled constituents who express distrust in the DWP's understanding of their needs, highlighting an accusatory application process. She notes that 26% of claimants had welfare entitlement reduced and 32% had applications dismissed, emphasizing the system's inadequacy during hardships like the pandemic.

Hilary Benn highlighted the success rates of appeals against PIP, DLA and ESA assessments, arguing that these high overturn rates indicate problems with initial decisions. He questioned why so many cases are found to be incorrect at appeal.

He asked if the Minister would commit in the White Paper to considering the devolution of welfare benefits administration to the Welsh Government, noting Wales' high levels of disability and poverty.

Welcomed positive steps from the Department for Work and Pensions' Green Paper, such as extending special terminal illness rules and audio-visual assessments. Noted accessibility issues with online benefit assessments, citing a study showing 27% of disabled adults in the UK have never used the internet. Raised concerns about successful claim rates and the impact of potential cost-cutting measures on eligible applicants. Emphasised the importance of employment protection for disabled individuals and called for changes in employer attitudes towards hiring people with disabilities. Asked Marion Fellows about the role of an administrator to ensure employers look after their employees properly.

The UK Government are failing disabled people, with 42% of families relying on disability benefits in poverty. The Disability Benefits Consortium reports that the financial situation of 78% of disabled claimants has worsened during the pandemic. Marion criticised the national disability strategy and its consultation process for being inadequate and inaccessible to disabled people. She highlighted examples where assessments were distressing and failed to understand conditions, with one respondent stating they ended up in tears due to physical tests despite their visible pain.

Ms Gibson highlighted the stress and poverty levels faced by disabled constituents, citing a 32% poverty rate among disabled people in the UK. She mentioned that 70% of disabled individuals feel their assessors do not understand their condition, leading to seven out of ten tribunal overturns since 2018. Ms Gibson called for the adoption of Scotland's simplified and compassionate adult disability payment system as a template for the rest of the UK.

Paul Blomfield raised concerns about the backlog of work capability assessments, noting that 335,500 cases were waiting an average of 150 days. He also highlighted constituents losing between £128 to £340 a month due to this delay.

She expressed frustration with the Department for Work and Pensions' failure to address concerns raised by disability campaigners, highlighting issues such as the lack of trust in benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment Support Allowance (ESA). She requested an update on specific recommendations made by the DWP Committee report. Additionally, she called for better consultation with disabled people and supporting organisations, emphasizing the need to address the impact of the pandemic on severely disabled individuals.

Congratulated Marsha De Cordova on securing the debate. Raised concerns about disabled people's lack of trust in DWP, citing a judicial review defeat and an appeal against it by the Department. Mentioned that 3,500 responses were received for a survey on personal experiences of assessments. Highlighted issues such as untrustworthy assessors, confusing assessment reports, and inaccessible forms. He stated that the Government's resistance to a case due to inadequate consultation was a hopeless position. He emphasised the importance of proper initial engagement with disabled people.

Tulip Siddiq criticised the assessment process as degrading and unfair, pointing out that constituents lose other benefits while awaiting tribunal decisions. She also noted that the Green Paper lacks ambition in addressing these issues.

She highlighted the lack of proper consultation and co-production with disabled people regarding the health and disability Green Paper. She raised concerns about the Department for Work and Pensions' reluctance to engage meaningfully with those who have experienced the assessment process, citing a court judgment that ruled the national disabilities strategy consultation unlawful.

A constituent with PTSD, anxiety and autism was refused Personal Independence Payment (PIP), feeling overwhelmed by the process and considering it too stressful to appeal. Wendy welcomes proposals for audio recording of assessments but urges for a timeline commitment and easier access to written reports. She also calls for assessors to have medical understanding and guidance on new illnesses like long covid. Additionally, she highlights that PIP is not sufficient to cover extra costs disabled people face.

Mr Qureshi criticised the Government's changes to the assessment process, stating that many people now need to appeal for their benefits due to private contractors using unqualified staff. He pointed out the difficulties faced by individuals with long-term conditions who have to go through repeated reassessment processes despite knowing their condition will worsen.