The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed plans to significantly increase the number of face-to-face Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments. This move comes as the Timms Review into PIP continues to explore potential changes to the system.
Government Commitment to Face-to-Face Assessments
Baroness Sherlock, a Labour grandee, provided an update in the House of Lords this week. She stated: "We are in close negotiations with all the contractors to look at how we can drive up the proportion of face-to-face assessments." Her comments highlight the government's determination to reverse the trend toward remote assessments that has become prevalent in recent years.
Challenges with Current Contracts
Baroness Sherlock explained the difficulties involved: "In 2023, about a year before the general election, the previous Government signed long-term contracts, making sure that most assessors could work from home." She added: "It is a bit of a challenge trying to get face-to-face assessments in the right parts of the country. These were long-term contracts and were signed only in late 2023 and took effect shortly after."
She emphasized that changes will take time: "It will take time because, having started with so many being home-based, we have to make sure we can get the numbers back up in time."
Balancing Assessment Methods
Baroness Sherlock noted: "This Government are committed to increasing the number of face-to-face assessments while acknowledging that remote assessments also have a role." This indicates a balanced approach, recognizing that remote assessments can still be beneficial for some claimants.
Timms Review and Statistics
The announcement comes as Labour minister Sir Stephen Timms continues to examine PIP changes through the Timms Review. Last year, DWP figures revealed that claimants who had a face-to-face PIP assessment were almost a quarter less likely to receive an award compared to those who had a telephone or video assessment. The statistics were provided in a written parliamentary answer by DWP disability minister Timms.
Claimant Options
Claimants have the right to request a change in their assessment type, for example, if traveling to an assessment centre for a face-to-face assessment would be painful or distressing. Benefits and Work notes that the right to a review of the allocated assessment type and the right to a further review are explained on pages 105-107 of its guide.
