North east disability benefit delays a ‘disgrace’

Delays to decisions on a new disability benefit have been branded “disgraceful” by a north-east MP.

Personal Independence Payments were introduced last year to replace the Disability Living Allowance.

However, the latest figures show that only 206,000 of the 529,000 people who have applied for the new payments have received a decision.

Dame Anne Begg, Labour MP for Aberdeen South and chairwoman of Westminster’s work and pensions select committee, criticised the UK Government.

“It’s absolutely disgraceful that 660 people across Aberdeen are still waiting for a Personal Independence Payment assessment,” she said.

“David Cameron must step in and sort out this backlog which is leaving disabled people waiting months and months for an assessment.

“Personal Independence Payments provide vital support to cover the extra expenses faced by disabled people.

“Many are having to borrow money to meet the extra costs while they wait for a decision and without knowing whether they will eventually qualify.”