On Monday 4 September, Stephen spoke in a debate on how claimants are assessed for disability benefits. Stephen argued for several reforms to improve the system, based on his Select Committee’s inquiry.
People with a disability that makes them unable to work must pass a work capability assessment (WCA) to access Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and equivalent Universal Credit elements. People with a disability who are able to work must similarly pass an assessment to claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which help cover the costs of their disability.
However, the current system is flawed. Many claimants find the process demeaning and a large number of decisions by assessors are overturned on appeal - in 2019/20, 77% of all decisions were overturned at appeal. When a claimants turns 16, they are required to switch from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP, undergoing a full face-to-face assessment despite already receiving a disability benefit.
Stephen spoke to all these flaws in his speech. As Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, Stephen also suggested several reforms based on his committee’s inquiry. Stephen recommended the Government allow claimants to have their assessment recorded, allow claimants to remain on DLA until they are 18, and give claimants more time to complete their application forms.
“The Government has recognised the need to transform the system,” Stephen said, “[but] we need to take further action, given the gravity of the problems that we have already heard about in the debate.”