The below Parliamentary question was asked by Virendra Sharma on 2016-05-19.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Gracious Speech is printed on vellum.
Matthew Hancock
According to long standing practice the copy of the speech printed for the State Opening of Parliament is printed on high quality archival paper.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by David Davis on 2016-05-19.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish the results of the Better use of data in government consultation.
Matthew Hancock
Shortly.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rachel Reeves on 2016-05-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many apprenticeships have been created in Yorkshire since May 2015.
Nick Boles
There have been 45,900 apprenticeship starts reported to date since May 2015 in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Information on apprenticeship starts by geography is published as a supplementary table (first link) to a Statistical First Release (second link).
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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Julie Elliott on 2016-05-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, with reference to the Answers of 16 February 2016 to Question 26010 and 11 April 2016 to Question 32109, when he plans to establish a reading room for hon. Members to access Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership documents.
Anna Soubry
The next round of negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will take place in July. The UK reading room will be open in time to access documents related to this round.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester on 2016-05-19.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will include the current mobility criterion of 20 metres in the next review of Personal Independence Payments.
Baroness Altmann
The terms of reference for the next Independent Review of Personal Independence Payment will be announced in due course.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester on 2016-05-19.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for recording proceedings at Personal Independence Payment assessments.
Baroness Altmann
The recording of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) consultations by assessment providers is not currently part of the contractual specification for PIP assessments.
However, claimants can ask to record their own assessment, provided they comply with the conditions put in place: they must::-
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester on 2016-05-19.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what analysis they have undertaken of the results of successful appeals against Personal Independence Payment assessments.
Baroness Altmann
The Department gathers information on the reasons why Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decisions have been overturned from DWP Presenting Officers and the summary reasons from the Tribunal hearing. Internal Management Information for 2015/16 indicates that either new oral or documentary evidence supplied at the hearing are the leading reasons for PIP decisions being overturned in 75% of cases.
These figures are from internal DWP systems, where only one of possible multiple reasons can be recorded. They are derived from unpublished information and have not been quality assured to National Statistics or Official Statistics standard.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester on 2016-05-19.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the medical criteria behind the introduction of a walking distance of 50 metres as part of the assessment for Disability Living Allowance in 1992.
Baroness Altmann
No walking distance was set when Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was introduced. The higher rate mobility component of DLA was always intended to be for those disabled people who were unable to walk or virtually unable to walk. The DLA regulations refer to the ability to walk out of doors being limited by reference to four factors; distance, speed, length of time or manner in which progress can be made without severe discomfort.
The lower rate mobility component was intended for people who are able to walk but need guidance or supervision because of severe mental or physical disability.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working age claimants, was developed to provide a more equal recognition of both daily living and mobility needs of those with all disability and impairment types, including physical, mental health, cognitive and sensory.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester on 2016-05-19.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in the light of cuts in the number of welfare rights officers and to legal aid, they will provide resources to Citizens Advice Bureaux, local mental health charities and disability organisations to provide support for disabled people who go to tribunal when appealing against their Personal Independence Payment assessment.
Baroness Altmann
Tribunal proceedings are designed to be straightforward and accessible to all. The tribunal panel is trained and possess special expertise to ensure that all issues which have a bearing on the outcome of an appeal are investigated irrespective of whether or not they have been raised by the parties.
DWP does not provide funding for this purpose. Individual local authorities may provide funding for these types of organisations but it would be a matter for the individual local authority to decide.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester on 2016-05-19.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why they have allocated £22 million to hire new presenting officers to support them at disability benefit tribunals.
Baroness Altmann
The government is increasing the number of Presenting Officers from 2017, to help the department present its case more effectively and gather valuable feedback from the Tribunal.