The Westminster lensArchive · Written questions · 122 tabled · 116 answered

Written questions by Mathew.

Every parliamentary written question tabled by Brian Mathew this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.

Department:All (122)Department of Health and Social Care (30)Department for Transport (19)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (16)Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (15)Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (8)Cabinet Office (7)Department for Education (6)Ministry of Defence (5)Department for Work and Pensions (4)Home Office (3)Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (3)Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (3)

Showing 14 of 4 · Department for Work and Pensions

29 May 2026·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
Asked

What assessment his Department have made of the impact of delays to Disability Living Allowance decisions on families caring for children with hidden disabilities in (a) Melksham and Devizes and (b) the

Reply

We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Disability Living Allowance for children (DLAc) in a timely manner. Reducing customer journey times for our claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working to make impr...

29 May 2026·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
Asked

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the time taken for Disability Living Allowance Mandatory Reconsideration decisions.

Reply

We have approved overtime and reallocated decision makers to clear our outstanding Disability Living Allowance Child Mandatory Reconsideration cases more quickly. This will help us to reduce clearance times.

29 May 2026·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
Asked

How his Department ensures individuals with (a) hidden and (b) fluctuating disabilities are properly assessed and receive adequate support.

Reply

The Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) conducting the Work Capability Assessment and the Personal Independence Payment assessment are trained specialists in disability analysis. Their focus is on understanding the functional impact of a customer’s condition,...

10 Jun 2025·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
Asked

What steps her Department is taking to reduce the backlog of people waiting for tribunals as part of their PIP application process.

Reply

The Department understands the potential effect of waiting for a tribunal hearing, which is why our aim is to make the right decision as early as possible in the claim journey so that people can get the support they are entitled to, without the need for an appeal. When a claim reaches the appeal stage, the Department can lapse the appeal where evidence supports a change in decision which is favourable to the customer. Appeals are lodged with, and administered by, HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). A variety of factors can affect the number of cases cleared by the Tribunal including the complexity of the issue in dispute; the availability of panel members assigned to a particular venue; and if an appeal is adjourned (which may be directed by the judge for a variety of reasons, such as to seek further medical evidence). Any increase to the live load is monitored, and investigated, locally.

Sources
SourceUK Parliament Members API
MethodQuestion and answer text as published. Question preamble (“To ask the…”) trimmed for readability; answers shown in full.