Early day motion · EDM 78 · 19 May 2021

Epilepsy Action and improvements to Personal Independence Payments processes

Tabled by Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party) 19 signatures

The motion

That this House supports Epilepsy Action's Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Pledge calling for improvements in the PIP assessment process for those with epilepsy; highlights the need for the Government to review the assessment process that currently sees people with epilepsy experiencing some of the highest initial rates of refusal for PIP, with around 66 per cent of new claims being refused, and over 70 per cent of those refusals being overturned on appeal; calls for better epilepsy training for PIP assessors to give them a good working knowledge of epilepsy and to be able to understand and take account of some of the debilitating and fluctuating conditions associated with it, the possible side effects of epilepsy medication, and the impact seizures can have on the individual and family members; and urges the Government to rapidly implement that training and reforms to the assessment process to make it fit for purpose for those with epilepsy.

Source: the official Early Day Motions database.