MP presses PM over disability benefits centre closure
MP HIGHLIGHTS TRAVEL PLIGHT FOR DISABLED AFTER CLOSURE OF FACILITY
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson dodged a question about cuts leaving disabled people in North Wales struggling to get assessed for benefits – and gave a “nonanswer” about buses instead.
Arfon MP Hywel Williams challenged Mr Johnson in the Commons over the closure of the assessment centre in Bangor to which people go to be assessed for disability benefit payments.
Mr Williams told MPs that it meant some people faced journeys of several hours to get to the nearest assessment site in Rhyl or Aberystwyth, despite the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contract with provider Capita stating no-one should have to travel for more than 90 minutes for their meeting.
But Mr Johnson’s response to Mr Williams’ plea to reverse the closure decision completely disregarded the issue the North Wales MP raised.
Mr Williams said: “In November last year, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Centre in my constituency was moved to Rhyl. No notice was given.
“The next bus from Caernarfon to Rhyl takes one hour forty four minutes.’
“Or a case in point, in my Right Honourable Friend’s constituency (Dwyfor Meirionnydd), Barmouth to Rhyl takes five hours fifteen minutes.’
“Or a disabled person in Barmouth could take the train to the Aberystwyth Assessment Centre, at a mere two hours twenty five minutes, one way.’
“This is a reality in the Prime Minister’s soar-away Global Britain. Will he (the Prime Minister) instruct his Minister to remedy this matter immediately?”
In response, the Prime Minister said: “We do need to improve our bus services across the whole country and that’s why we’re investing another £250m immediately into improving bus services and the Chancellor has many more such investments in the pipeline.”
Describing Mr Johnson’s reply as a “non-answer”, Mr Williams said: “The assessment process is not fit for purpose as it is, and instead of supporting vulnerable people, the process is often dehumanising, erroneous and worsens existing health conditions for vulnerable people.”
● It emerged later in the week that Capita was to open a new temporary centre in Bangor after the backlash over the closure of the old one.
Capita confirmed they will open their PIP assessment centre in Bangor, having secured a lease – thought to be for three months – at the Storiel Arts Centre.
Capita confirmed they are opening at the location, but would not comment on the duration of the lease.
Mr Williams said: “I cautiously welcome the news that Capita has now found an alternative site in Bangor to carry out assessments for Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
“In my understanding, they have secured a temporary lease at the Storiel Arts Centre, while they look for a permanent base in the city.
“At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, I raised concerns about the closure and urged the Prime Minister to instruct the DWP to find a suitable local site to meet the needs of severely disabled and vulnerable claimants living in northwest Wales.
“While I welcome this announcement, efforts must now be made to find a permanent site in the area, one which is as local and as convenient as possible and which meets the specific needs of claimants.
“I will be keeping a close eye on the situation over the coming weeks and months, ensuring sufficient progress is made to secure a suitable and permanent local base to meet the needs of severely disabled and vulnerable claimants.”