Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage today raised her concerns about the delays to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application reviews during questions to the Department for Work and Pensions.
PIP helps with some of the extra costs faced by those living with disability or long-term ill health.
Caroline asked:
"A number of my constituents have experienced lengthy delays while waiting for a decision on a review for their PIP application, at a time of great uncertainty and stress for all concerned. In addition to the efforts already outlined by the Minister, could he outline what steps are planned to speed up the application review and appeal process?"
Responding on behalf of the Government, Minister of State for Disabled People, Mark Harper MP said:
"As well as making sure that the assessment can take place faster, we are already making sure that as those cases move through the system, the DWP decision makers will be able to cope with that increased number of cases so that once we have got the assessment process sorted out, those decisions will be made in a timely way that helps hers and my constituents in the future."
Speaking outside the chamber, Caroline said:
"When people are being forced to live on a reduced income it is crucial that waiting times are as short as possible, that is why I am pleased that the Minister has expressed his commitment to streamlining the entire PIP application process, including the procedures for reviewing a decision that an individual is unhappy with."
