ONGOING DELAYS WITH PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENTS

MACNEIL WRITES TO SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil is writing to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith MP regarding the delays in processing applications for Personal Independence Payments (PIPs).

PIPs are available to help with costs caused by a health condition or disability and are meant to support people to mitigate the costs associated with a condition.

In June, The Public Accounts Committee said the new Personal Independence Payment scheme had been “rushed” through, with a “shocking” impact on claimants.

Angus MacNeil MP said:

“The findings of the Public Accounts Committee backs up the casework I am dealing with and I will be raising this issue with the Department for Work and Pensions.

“I am aware of claimants who have waited over six months and one who has been waiting for almost a year for an assessment.

“This type of welfare support is for those who really need it – not six months down the line and it is unacceptable that claimants are having to wait for so long.

ENDS