Owen Smith – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Owen Smith on 2016-03-11.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will estimate the number of disabled people who will lose their entitlement to the (a) standard rate of and (b) enhanced rate of personal independence payment as a result of changes to the assessment criteria regarding the use of aids and appliances for activities five and six.
Justin Tomlinson
It is not possible to forecast exact figures because it will depend on factors such as caseload, possible behavioural change, and the outcome of DLA reassessment outcomes.
We estimate that in 2020/21 there will be a total of 640,000 people who will be in some way affected by these changes.
However, a significant number will continue to qualify for an award, and for many the effects will be notional because they are not yet receiving the benefit. Claimants affected may also remain eligible for other forms of Government support. This includes, but is not limited to, the mobility component of PIP, ESA, local welfare provision, support through the NHS, adult social care and the Disabled Facilities Grant.
