Tag: Paul Blomfield

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Blomfield on 2014-03-28.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2014, Official Report, column 318W, on Personal Independence Payment, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of personal independence payment claim processing times.

Mike Penning

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a new benefit and processes are currently bedding in. There are no time limits or targets on processing times to claims for PIP.

We recognise the new processes are taking longer than expected and we are taking robust action to improve these, including working closely with the providers to ensure performance expectations.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Blomfield on 2014-03-28.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2014, Official Report, column 318W, on Personal Independence Payment, what discussions he has had with providers about personal independence payment claim processing times.

Mike Penning

Officials meet regularly with both assessment providers to discuss performance. We are closely monitoring their progress against the Department’s expectations for service delivery, including claim processing times and are taking robust action to drive up performance where this does not meet the required standards.

Whilst, in line with other benefits, there are no statutory time limits on processing claims for PIP, we are working closely with our service providers to minimise the length of time claimants have to wait for assessments.We are also seeking to ensure that all the steps in the process run as smoothly as possible and that there are no barriers in our processes and systems that contribute to claims taking longer than necessary to progress

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Blomfield on 2014-03-27.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2014, Official Report, column 685W, on human trafficking, whether she plans for the review of the National Referral Mechanism to be completed before committee stage of the Modern Slavery Bill.

Karen Bradley

An announcement on the review of the National Referral Mechanism will be made
shortly.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Blomfield on 2014-04-03.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of international efforts to improve levels of safety and conditions of work in Bangladesh’s garment industry.

Mr Alan Duncan

I spent most of last week in Bangladesh, assessing the progress that has been made one year on from the tragedy of Rana Plaza. Steps have been taken to improve working conditions in the garment sector, including through factory inspections and strengthening the labour inspection regime. The UK’s support is focused on all areas where action is needed: improving building safety and working conditions, empowering workers and urging buyers to take responsibility for their supply chains.