SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Mark H Durkan
Said the Foyle MLA: “Marie Kavanagh’s comprehensive review makes it plain that the PIP assessment process simply does not work for too many claimants.
“From simplifying the claim form to a pilot on bringing assessments in-house to improving guidance on the complaints procedure, this review has looked at ways of improving every step of the assessment process.
“I commend her for the robust approach she has taken and clear recommendations she has made.
“The Minister must commit to implementing these recommendations and set out a timetable for doing so as soon as possible.
“This should be done in conjunction with confirming exactly when she will introduce primary legislation on a new package of welfare mitigations, which should include funds to protect families against the benefit cap and the two-child tax credit rule.
“Pushing this back to sneak it through on accelerated passage denies MLAs and stakeholders the time to scrutinise any measures properly and ultimately fails claimants.”
