Graeme Morrice (Labour MP for Livingston) asked the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the methods of evaluating for eligibility for disability living allowance persons diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis.
In a written answer supplied on 1 March 2011, Minister for Public Health Paul Burstow replied:
I have had several discussions with the Minister for Disabled People, Department for Work and Pensions, Maria Miller, on the issue of disability living allowance (DLA). Following the Westminster Hall debate of 2 February 2011, I passed the specific concerns raised by Ian Swales about DLA for those living with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis to the Minister.
Question:
Will the reforms to DLA mean the same assessment process as is currently being applied to IB Migration and are applied to ESA assessment?
I mean it is likely right? He wants to ‘streamline and simplify’ the whole Welfare system, though with DLA/PIP the deadline in 2014 I believe, so chances are all the ‘niggles’ will have been ironed out.
Hmmm…. may be wishful thinking on my part there.