In Parliament

Newport East MP questions Minister on replacement for DLA 26 October 2011

A Department of Work and Pensions Minister, Maria Miller MP, was asked to ensure that lessons have been learnt from the major flaws in the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) for those being tested for the proposed replacement of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payments (PIPs). 

Jessica said “Will the Minister reassure my constituents that the assessment for the personal independence payment will be fit for purpose and will not repeat the experiences of the work capability assessment?" 

PIP is the replacement for DLA and has been proposed as part of the Government’s Welfare Reform Bill. Jessica has seen first-hand the errors made by the WCA in assessing people moving from Incapacity Benefit to Employment Support Allowance, where chronically ill constituents have been deemed fit for work, then been subject to lengthy delays in their appeals.  She wants to make sure the new assessment for PIPs does not repeat the same mistakes.