Debbie Abrahams responds to MoJ Tribunal Statistics for PIP and ESA

Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the MoJ Tribunal Statistics for Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance appeals, said:

“With 69% of both Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance decisions being overturned at appeal, it is clear the assessment process is a total failure and not fit for purpose.

“We know from the recent Work and Pensions Select Committee’s damning report that these assessments cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for the thousands who have been denied support unfairly, as well as wasting public money by sending so many decisions back to the courts.

“The Government is failing sick and disabled people by knowingly allowing this injustice to continue. The Tories must act on the Select Committee’s recommendations immediately.

“Labour will scrap these punitive assessments and replace them with a holistic, person-centred approach.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• •                         The full release can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-and-gender-recognition-certificate-statistics-quarterly-october-to-december-2017