Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, Rt Hon MP, has written to the
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with further questions
on the Department’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The letter [attached], in response to a reply from previous correspondence
to Thérèse
Coffey, calls for more information about the changes
to the disability benefit assessment process brought in in
response to the outbreak. The Committee yesterday
held an
evidence session with support organisations on the PIP and ESA
assessment process and the potential implications
of coronavirus.
Rt Hon MP said:
“This is a worrying time for all of us, but it’s particularly
tough for people on already low or precarious incomes. They’ll be
concerned about how they can continue to support themselves and
their families, and will be looking to the Government for a
strong safety net to help them through this unprecedented crisis.
The DWP has already taken some welcome steps. But there is much
more still to be done.”
The letter also asks for the Department’s response to a report
published by Citizens Advice on what more the Government can do
to support those affected by the outbreak.
It also questions what the Department is doing to ensure people
know what they are entitled to, what measures are in place to
cope with the possible closure of Jobcentres and asks for
information on the support available for people whose immigration
status means they have no recourse to public funds.
