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25 June, 2020 Open access

Minister confirms that benefit reviews and reassessments remain suspended while the government reviews what activity it can reintroduce in line with the latest public health advice

As temporary COVID-19 suspensions come to an end, Ministers had only previously said that new arrangements will be communicated 'as soon as possible'

DWP Minister Justin Tomlinson has confirmed that benefit reviews and reassessments will remain suspended while the government reviews what activity it can reintroduce in line with the latest public health advice.

The government suspended both face-to-face assessments, and reviews and reassessments for health and disability benefits for three months in the early phase of the COVID-19 lockdown, both for the benefit of claimants and to provide for the redeployment of DWP staff to help deal with the increase in claims for universal credit.

However, while the government said that the suspensions would be kept under regular review and extended if necessary, with them now coming to an end, recent updates from Ministers had said only that any new arrangements would be communicated ‘as soon as possible’.

For example -

‘... currently in the process of reviewing this measure in light of the latest public health advice and will confirm next steps as soon as possible.’ (Hansard: 9 June 2020).

‘... in the process of reviewing this measure, and will confirm next steps as soon as possible.’ (Hansard: 16 June 2020).

However, in a written answer earlier this week, Mr Tomlinson said that -

'Our priority throughout this health emergency continues to be to protect the public and staff, while ensuring people get the benefits they are entitled to quickly and safely. Reviews and reassessments remain suspended while we review what activity we can gradually start reintroducing in line with the latest public health advice. '

Mr Tomlinson's written answer is available from Hansard.