Show Search Form

Search Results

registered interest	true false
date	exactly: or between: and
answering body
answering dept id
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name
hansard heading
house id
legislature	pref label
question text
tabling member constituency
tabling member printed
uin
answer	is ministerial correction true false date of answer exactly: or between: and answer text answering member constituency answering member printed grouped question UIN question first answered answering member label
tabling member	label

Search

1058635

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Social Security Benefits: Disability
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	Whether her Department has plans to redesign the reassessment process for benefit recipients with severe mental or physical disabilities.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	909127
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/02/2019 answer text <p>We are committed to assessing people with health conditions and disabilities fairly and accurately, and helping people to access the right support. We made a clear commitment in <em>Improving Lives</em>: <em>The Future of Work, Health and Disability</em> to reform the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and recognise the importance of getting this right. We are therefore testing new approaches to build the evidence base for what works, and working with external stakeholders to inform future changes to the WCA.</p><p> </p><p>Over the last year we have introduced new guidance into Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit (UC), as well as updated guidance for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to improve the service we provide for those with the most severe/lifelong conditions. For ESA/UC since September 2017 we have switched off routine reassessments for those who meet the Severe Conditions criteria, and since August 2018, those receiving the highest level of support in PIP, whose needs are unlikely to change or may get worse, will now receive an ongoing award with a light touch review at the ten year point.</p> answering member constituency Truro and Falmouth answering member printed Sarah Newton question first answered 11/02/2019 17:02:14 answering member 4071 label Biography information for Sarah Newton
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1058636

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	What recent assessment her Department has made of the (a) accuracy and (b) efficiency of contracted-out health assessments for (i) employment and support allowance and (ii) personal independence payment.
tabling member constituency	Ellesmere Port and Neston
tabling member printed	Justin Madders
uin	909128
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/02/2019 answer text <p>We are committed to ensuring claimants receive high quality assessments. Providers are closely monitored against a range of measures including through independent audit to improve accuracy and decision making. We are seeing continuous improvement in PIP assessment quality and recent data shows both PIP providers meeting quality expectations. We continually look to improve the efficiency of the assessment process by working closely with health assessment providers and the disabled people the Department supports.</p> answering member constituency Truro and Falmouth answering member printed Sarah Newton question first answered 11/02/2019 16:37:48 answering member 4071 label Biography information for Sarah Newton
tabling member	4418 label Biography information for Justin Madders

1058637

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Pensioners: Poverty
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	What recent assessment she has made of trends in the level of pensioner poverty; and if she will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Glasgow South West
tabling member printed	Chris Stephens
uin	909129
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/02/2019 answer text <p>This Government has seen the absolute poverty rate for pensioners fall to record lows, with over 200,000 fewer pensioners in absolute poverty before housing costs. Rates of material deprivation for pensioners are also at record lows.</p><p>We have reduced pensioner poverty close to historically low levels, lifting the incomes of millions of older people. Since 2009/10, material deprivation for pensioners has fallen from 10 per cent to 7 per cent in 2016/17 and since 2010 there are 200,000 fewer pensioners in absolute poverty, a record low.</p><p>The Government is committed to action that helps to alleviate levels of pensioner poverty. In 2018/19 we will spend £121.5 billion on benefits for pensioners, including £97 billion on the State Pension for this year.</p><p>The Government has also committed to up-rating the basic State Pension by the highest of the growth in earnings, prices or 2.5 per cent - the 'triple lock' guarantee. This will mean that the full basic State Pension will be around £1450 per year higher in 2018/19 than in 2010. The Government has committed to the triple lock for the remainder of this Parliament.</p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman question first answered 11/02/2019 17:58:24 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
tabling member	4463 label Biography information for Chris Stephens

1058710

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Health and Safety Executive: Training
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what gender awareness training staff at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have undertaken in relation to their inspections of workplaces; and whether the HSE has a gender awareness strategy in place for those inspections.
tabling member constituency	Birmingham, Yardley
tabling member printed	Jess Phillips
uin	219470
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2019 answer text <p>It is a mandatory requirement that all staff in HSE, not just those inspecting workplaces, are required to complete unconscious bias training and diversity and inclusion training annually. This training covers all protective characteristics including gender.</p><p> </p><p>HSE has a Dignity at Work Statement published on its Intranet site. This statement is for everyone within HSE, and applies to all members of staff including contractors, agency staff and anyone engaged to carry out work on HSE's behalf. It sets out what behaviours are expected when dealing with each other and members of the public.</p> answering member constituency Truro and Falmouth answering member printed Sarah Newton question first answered 19/02/2019 13:26:59 answering member 4071 label Biography information for Sarah Newton
tabling member	4370 label Biography information for Jess Phillips

1058714

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Personal Independence Payment: Blood Diseases
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what updated guidance his Department has issued to personal independence payment (PIP) assessment providers to ensure that those assessors understand the impact and effect of contaminated blood on claimants, and what monitoring his Department has undertaken of the outcomes of PIP assessments since the review of haemarthropathy cases to ensure the effectiveness of that guidance.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
uin	219379
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2019 answer text <p>The Department is committed to supporting disabled people and people with health conditions to live independently and we recognise the contribution that PIP can make to this. During meetings with the DWP Working Group with individuals affected by contaminated blood, concerns were raised about people affected by contaminated blood scoring nil or low points for PIP, and members were invited to share any such cases for review. After reviewing all of the cases received, a problem with how the functional needs of claimants with haemarthropathy had been assessed for PIP was identified.</p><p> </p><p>On the 25th June 2018 the Department began an administrative exercise to review cases of claimants with contaminated blood where they have haemophilia or haemarthropathy from other causes, to ensure claimants receive the correct award. To date 370 cases have been reviewed. All claimants have now been notified, completing the original exercise.</p><p> </p><p>In conjunction with this administrative exercise the Department along with PIP assessment providers have developed new guidance on haemophilia and haemarthropathy to ensure health professionals appropriately assess such cases. This guidance was fully implemented on 15th February 2019 and the Department will now be reviewing a second batch of recent cases, assessed between the end of the original exercise and the implementation of the guidance.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally, Assessment Providers and stakeholders are working together to develop reports for haemophilia and contaminated blood. These reports are completed by groups which represent individuals with specific health conditions and impairments. They are intended to provide insight regarding the daily life and everyday challenges which individuals with these conditions may face to further support health professionals in future assessments.</p><p> </p><p>The Department is committed to supporting individuals effected by contaminated blood and continues to work closely with the DWP Working Group to ensure we fully support our claimants and make improvements where possible.</p> answering member constituency Truro and Falmouth answering member printed Sarah Newton question first answered 19/02/2019 17:06:19 answering member 4071 label Biography information for Sarah Newton
tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1058821

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Universal Credit: EEA Nationals
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the effect of universal credit on the financial circumstances of long-term resident EEA Nationals who no longer have worker status.
tabling member constituency	Lewisham West and Penge
tabling member printed	Ellie Reeves
uin	219533
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/02/2019 answer text <p>We have not made such an assessment but we continue to monitor our policies.</p><p>Within the 2016 EEA Immigration Regulations and 2013 Universal Credit Regulations, an EEA citizen who is no longer a worker or a self-employed person can retain the status of a worker whilst involuntarily unemployed. EEA citizens who are exercising a qualified right to reside, such as ‘retained worker’ status are eligible to access Universal Credit.</p><p>A link to the regulations are below:</p><p><a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/1052/made" target="_blank">http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/1052/made</a></p><p><a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2013/9780111531938/regulation/9" target="_blank">https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2013/9780111531938/regulation/9</a></p> answering member constituency Reading West answering member printed Alok Sharma question first answered 14/02/2019 17:46:00 answering member 4014 label Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma
tabling member	4620 label Biography information for Ellie Reeves

1058826

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Universal Credit
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to assist universal credit claimants who are unable to attend Jobcentre appointments on weekdays before 5pm because of work commitments.
tabling member constituency	Sunderland Central
tabling member printed	Julie Elliott
uin	219429
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2019 answer text <p>Universal Credit is a 24 hour, seven day a week digital service that allows claimants to manage their own data and account online at a time which is convenient for them. Via their account claimants can check their Universal Credit benefit payments, notify the Department of changes and record notes via an online journal facility. In addition, the Universal Credit helpline is open until 6pm Monday to Friday. Established claimants who call the helpline are connected directly to the person or team who are dealing with the case.</p><p> </p><p>Not all Universal Credit claimants are required to attend interviews at their local Jobcentre. This will depend on their individual personal circumstances. For claimants whose earnings are above the individual or household Conditionality Earnings Threshold or the Administrative Earnings Threshold there is no conditionality requirement to attend interviews with a Work Coach.</p><p> </p><p>Where a voluntary interview is necessary to verify evidence, claimants are able to arrange the most convenient date and time with their Work Coach or Case Manager.</p> answering member constituency Reading West answering member printed Alok Sharma grouped question UIN 219430 question first answered 19/02/2019 15:41:52 answering member 4014 label Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma
tabling member	4127 label Biography information for Julie Elliott

1058828

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Universal Credit
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to compensate universal credit claimants who must take unpaid time off work to attend Jobcentre appointments.
tabling member constituency	Sunderland Central
tabling member printed	Julie Elliott
uin	219430
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2019 answer text <p>Universal Credit is a 24 hour, seven day a week digital service that allows claimants to manage their own data and account online at a time which is convenient for them. Via their account claimants can check their Universal Credit benefit payments, notify the Department of changes and record notes via an online journal facility. In addition, the Universal Credit helpline is open until 6pm Monday to Friday. Established claimants who call the helpline are connected directly to the person or team who are dealing with the case.</p><p> </p><p>Not all Universal Credit claimants are required to attend interviews at their local Jobcentre. This will depend on their individual personal circumstances. For claimants whose earnings are above the individual or household Conditionality Earnings Threshold or the Administrative Earnings Threshold there is no conditionality requirement to attend interviews with a Work Coach.</p><p> </p><p>Where a voluntary interview is necessary to verify evidence, claimants are able to arrange the most convenient date and time with their Work Coach or Case Manager.</p> answering member constituency Reading West answering member printed Alok Sharma grouped question UIN 219429 question first answered 19/02/2019 15:41:52 answering member 4014 label Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma
tabling member	4127 label Biography information for Julie Elliott

1058835

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Department for Work and Pensions: Consultants
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the value of contracts held by her Department with (a) Deloitte, (b) Slaughter and May and (c) Mott MacDonald is in the last two years.
tabling member constituency	Hemsworth
tabling member printed	Jon Trickett
uin	219283
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2019 answer text <p>a.Deloitte –</p><p> </p><p>The contract named DWP ADMS Transition Partner Service was valued at £7,608,816 and the term was 19 Feb 2016 to 18 Feb 2018.</p><p> </p><p>The contract named Provision of consultancy for DWP estates PMO requirement was valued at £2,000,000 and the term was 14 Feb 2017 to 9 Feb 2018.</p><p> </p><p>The contract named Consultancy for organisational design for DWP Finance Group was valued at £444,200 and the term is 8 Jul-2018 to 31 Mar 2019.</p><p> </p><p>The contract named Digital Organisation Transformation Support was valued at £2,500,000 and the term is 30 Apr-2018 to 30 Apr 2019.</p><p> </p><p>b. Slaughter and May – £0</p><p> </p><p>c.Mott Macdonald - £0</p> answering member constituency North Swindon answering member printed Justin Tomlinson question first answered 19/02/2019 17:22:16 answering member 4105 label Biography information for Justin Tomlinson
tabling member	410 label Biography information for Jon Trickett

1058872

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Department for Work and Pensions: Written Questions
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 11 January 2019 to Question 206457 Universal Credit, when she plans to provide a substantive Answer to that Question.
tabling member constituency	High Peak
tabling member printed	Ruth George
uin	219574
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/02/2019 answer text <p>I replied to the hon. member’s <a href="https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2019-01-08/206457/" target="_blank">Question</a> on 13 February 2019.</p> answering member constituency Reading West answering member printed Alok Sharma question first answered 14/02/2019 17:16:31 answering member 4014 label Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma
tabling member	4662 label Biography information for Ruth George