MP challenges Minister over PIP assessments

Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth Moor View, challenged the Minister for Disabled People, Mark Harper MP, yesterday on the difficulties many of her constituents who suffer from Muscular Dystrophy (MD) are experiencing with their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments.

Muscular Dystrophy is a condition which causes muscles to deteriorate and become weak. There are over 60 forms of MD, effecting 70,000 people in the UK.

Ms Seabeck took the opportunity to question the Minister about her concerns during a Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday.

She highlighted how numerous constituents have submitted their PIP forms, only for them to find out months later that they have been lost and that there was a clear issue of understaffing throughout the PIP system. Another key issue was the long distances many people have to travel for their assessment, with one constituent being told she would have to travel all the way to Portsmouth if she wanted an appointment.

Speaking in the debate Alison Seabeck MP said: “I fully understand the need to ensure that only those entitled to support receive it, and most of my constituents accept that principle. However, the process is still failing too many disabled people.

“The Government clearly underestimated the size and complexity of the problem. The contract was let without care being taken to ensure that the company carrying out the assessments actually had people with the right skills and understanding to deal with some very rare conditions and vulnerable people.”

You can read the whole of Alison Seabeck’s speech here