The Party of Wales Arfon Standing up for the people of Arfon

PIP claimants shut-out from new city-centre site as local MP calls on DWP to get their act together. 

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 PIP claimants.  

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 the Menai Centre will be for those in receipt of Universal Credit, ESA, industrial Injuries Benefit and Veterans UK.

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.

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.'

'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.'