Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon Hywel Williams has accused the Department of Work and Pensions of dismissing the complex needs of vulnerable people as it emerges a new city-centre benefit assessment facility in Bangor will have no provision for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants.
Those qualifying for PIP have a long-term disability or health condition, and need help or support with daily living, or with mobility, or both.
Hywel Williams MP has been campaigning to secure a long-term, accessible site in Bangor to meet the needs of severely disabled and vulnerable local people after the centre was moved from Parc Menai to Rhyl without any consultation last year, although PIP assessments are now temporarily being conducted at Storiel in Bangor.
In response to a letter from Hywel Williams MP, the Minister for Work and Pensions Baroness Stedman-Scott confirmed there are no plans to conduct PIP assessments for vulnerable claimants at the new city-centre location.
The new assessment site at a former dental practice at the Menai Centre, will be for those in receipt of Universal Credit, ESA, industrial Injuries Benefit and Veterans UK.
Hywel Williams MP said: “The Minister’s reply shows the Department of Work and Pension’s shocking disregard and apathy for the needs of severely disabled claimants in my constituency and across north west Wales.
“Consolidating benefit services at a centrally-located accessible site in Bangor is progress, but to do so without provision for severely disabled PIP claimants who depend on accessibility and reliable transport links is just plain wrong.
“The fact that the UK government are slow to right this enduring injustice and discrimination against severely disabled people is nothing short of a disgrace.
“Moving the PIP assessment centre out of the area without any warning was bad enough, but to now bring together benefit services all under one roof, yet excluding the needs of PIP claimants, is not only a missed opportunity but it also prolongs uncertainty for the most vulnerable.
“Since disabled people have to put up with this system, there really needs to be real progress on finding a suitable, accessible site for this centre.
“Any decision on the future of this important centre should have the interests of disabled claimants at its heart, including limitations on their ability to travel by public transport to appointments.
“I will be seeking further discussions with the UK government to lobby for action on this basic injustice. It’s high time the DWP and Capita moved on this so that vulnerable people can get some certainty.”
