Written questions by Whately.

Which staff at his Department are responsible for overseeing PIP assessors; and whether those staff are able to receive bonuses.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are carried out by contracted assessment suppliers. Staff within the Department for Work and Pensions are responsible for monitoring and managing the performance of these suppliers.DWP contract management staff are responsible for monitoring service delivery against contractual targets and for operating the independent auditing of assessments. This includes oversight of the quality of reports submitted by health professionals working for the assessment suppliers.DWP staff also undertake work to monitor and manage assessment suppliers' performance as part of its responsibilities under the PIP assessment contracts.These civil servants are part of the wider DWP workforce and, like other staff in the department, are eligible to receive performance‑related bonuses in line with Civil Service pay arrangements.

How many people since the start of 2025 have been assessed for PIP a) in-person b) over the phone or c) via video call.

While this information is not currently published by the department, we will be sharing this data in a future statistical release.

How many people since the start of 2025 have been awarded PIP after an assessment a) in-person b) over the phone or c) via video call.

While this information is not currently published by the department, we will be sharing this data in a future statistical release.

What information his Department holds on the number of people that claim Carer's Allowance and do not live with the person they are caring for.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. Published information on the number of people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance using DWP administrative data, and information on benefit receipt on a household and benefit unit basis is available through the Family Resources Survey (FRS), on Stat-Xplore, with various geographical breakdowns provided. You can log in or access Stat-Xplore as a guest user and, if needed, you can accessguidance on how to extract the information required. There is also Family Resources Survey data on Stat-Xplore: user guide available.

What checks does his Department carry out into the ongoing circumstances of those claiming Carer's Allowance.

When an award of Carer’s Allowance is made, the customer is issued with a written notification letter advising of changes in circumstances they need to declare that may affect their entitlement. This is to ensure DWP holds the correct details for them. This letter also details how to contact Carer’s Allowance to declare any change, via contact number, postal address and GOV.UK details for the online service. Annual benefit uprating letters advise the customer on the new rates of Carer’s Allowance due to be paid, any change to earnings limits, and remind the customer of the changes they need to notify to DWP, and how to do so. DWP has been working with partners such as Carer’s UK to support customers better in understanding fully their obligation to report changes in their circumstances, including employment. DWP takes a range of action to ensure the veracity of benefit awards, including: Targeted Case Reviews (TCRs): DWP conducts reviews to verify that customer circumstances (income, savings, and household) match their records.Data Matching and Analytics: DWP uses data from HM Revenue & Customs to verify employment and income, using the Verify Earnings and Pension (VEP) system to help prevent fraud and error.New Legal Powers: The government is introducing legislation - such as the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act - to give DWP enhanced powers to require banks to share data that may indicate potential overpayments.Internal Process Reviews (IPRs): DWP conducts these reviews to ensure that interactions with customers follow correct operational processes, using feedback to make improvements.

How many individuals have been ordered to make repayments to the Department after being convicted of benefit fraud in a) 2025 and b) 2026.

We take action to recover debt on every conviction for benefit fraud through our debt recovery processes or through recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act where appropriate. The fraud classification on our Debt Management system includes people who have accepted a caution or an administrative penalty, as well as those who have been convicted. We cannot identify if someone has been specifically convicted of benefit fraud without looking at each individual case. We do however report on the number of prosecutions yearly in the Annual Report and Accounts. Last years can be found here: DWP Annual Report and Accounts 2024 to 25, page 114. Figures for year ending 25/26 will be published in summer 2026.

What is the total value of contracts awarded to private contractors for (a) Universal Credit assessments (b) PIP assessments and (c) Disability Living Allowance in each financial year since 2019-20.

The contracts awarded in the period of the question were / are to deliver assessments in support of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Work Capability Assessments for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance and a range of other benefits including Disability Living Allowance (Child). All contracts were awarded as multi year agreements. The attached links sets out the total values awarded per contract/contractor. Please note, the contract value is the total estimated value of the contract at the point it was awarded and subsequently extended. Contract spend is the actual amount of money paid to suppliers during the contract period and can be different to the contract value as a result of a variety of factors (e.g. over/under delivery, changes in volume, demand and other variations to contract).PIP Contracts (31 July 2012 – 6 September 2024)Total Contract Value: £1,787,043,988 Lot 1 - Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Service - Contract Extension - Lot 1 - Find a TenderLot 2 - Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Service - Contract Extension - Lot 2 - Find a TenderLot 3 - Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Service - Contract Extension - Lot 3 - Find a Tender HDAS Contract (29 October 2014 – 6 September 2024)Total Contract Value: £1,297,737,098 https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/9bdd9fa5-0a4c-4484-a853-702b9683db80 FAS Contract (2 October 2023 – 31 August 2029)Total Contract Value: £2,769,913,640 (including Lot 5) Lots 1-5 - Functional Assessment Services (FAS) 2023 - Find a Tender (NB – Lot 5 is managed by Department for Communities)

How many PIP assessments required the use of (a) an interpreter and (b) translation services in the period since July 2024.

The Functional Assessment Service contracts launched on 9 September 2024. Between then and the end of January 2026, across all delivery areas, a total of 230,000 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments were completed with a translator present. This includes British Sign Language, Irish Sign Language and lip speaking services, and is not limited to spoken language interpretation. These numbers are based on completed assessments by either face-to-face, telephone or video where a request for an interpreter or translator was met and are rounded in line with statistical disclosure protocols. Prior to September 2024, the department does not hold this data for all delivery areas in the outgoing assessment contracts.

How many PIP claimants were required to show a form of identification during their application in the last five years.

All PIP customers are required to verify their identity during the application process. This can be done using a variety of evidence, including photographic identification if appropriate. The following documentation can be used by British Nationals making a PIP application as part of the process to verify their identity: British PassportUK Driving LicenceArmed Forces ID card (can only be accepted face-to-face)Police warrant card (can only be accepted face-to-face)National Health Service (NHS) ID card containing a biometric chip (can only be accepted face-to-face)ID cards carrying the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) accreditation logo (UK and Channel Islands)HM Armed Forces Veteran Card (can only be accepted face-to-face)A certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen, which indicates the holder is entitled to take up employment in the UK In some circumstances - where they fully meet the lay conditions - someone who is not a British national can claim PIP. The Eligibility criteria to claim PIP for someone who is not a British National can be found here: Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Eligibility - GOV.UK You must:normally live in or show that you intend to settle in the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islandsnot be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant)If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you and your family usually also need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get PIP. The deadline to apply to the scheme was 30 June 2021 for most people, but you might still be able to apply.If a customer meets this eligibility criteria, then the following documents can be provided to prove their identity: Passport of European Union (EU) or other nationalitiesIdentity cards from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country that follow Regulation - 2252/2004 - EN - EUR-Lex (link is external)A residence permit, registration certificate or document certifying or indicating permanent residence issued by the Home Office to a national of an EEA country or SwitzerlandA permanent residence card issued by the Home Office or the Border and Immigration Agency to the family member of a national of a EEA country or SwitzerlandA passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder is exempt from immigration control and either:is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UKhas the right of abode in the UKhas no time limit on their stay in the UKAn Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office or the United Kingdom Border Agency to the holder with an endorsement indicating that the person named in it, is allowed to stay indefinitely in the United Kingdom or has no time limit on their stay in the United KingdomEU or other nationalities photo-card driving licence accompanied by an international driving permit, valid up to 12 months up to the date of when the individual entered the UK (can only be accepted face-to-face)ARC (Application Registration Card) and Home Office Decision Grant Letter. These documents can be used together if the information is the same and confirmed by the Home Office to verify ID, but only by exception, when a refugee has not had their UKVI account created by the Home Office to access their eVisa. One without the other cannot be acceptedHome Office ‘View and Prove’ eVisa service (can only be accepted face-to-face). Please note that although a document is listed, there may be a need for accompanying evidence alongside any of these to sufficiently prove someone’s identity.

What forms of photographic identification are accepted from applicants who do not hold a UK passport or driving licence during the PIP application process.

All PIP customers are required to verify their identity during the application process. This can be done using a variety of evidence, including photographic identification if appropriate. The following documentation can be used by British Nationals making a PIP application as part of the process to verify their identity: British PassportUK Driving LicenceArmed Forces ID card (can only be accepted face-to-face)Police warrant card (can only be accepted face-to-face)National Health Service (NHS) ID card containing a biometric chip (can only be accepted face-to-face)ID cards carrying the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) accreditation logo (UK and Channel Islands)HM Armed Forces Veteran Card (can only be accepted face-to-face)A certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen, which indicates the holder is entitled to take up employment in the UK In some circumstances - where they fully meet the lay conditions - someone who is not a British national can claim PIP. The Eligibility criteria to claim PIP for someone who is not a British National can be found here: Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Eligibility - GOV.UK You must:normally live in or show that you intend to settle in the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islandsnot be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant)If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you and your family usually also need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get PIP. The deadline to apply to the scheme was 30 June 2021 for most people, but you might still be able to apply.If a customer meets this eligibility criteria, then the following documents can be provided to prove their identity: Passport of European Union (EU) or other nationalitiesIdentity cards from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country that follow Regulation - 2252/2004 - EN - EUR-Lex (link is external)A residence permit, registration certificate or document certifying or indicating permanent residence issued by the Home Office to a national of an EEA country or SwitzerlandA permanent residence card issued by the Home Office or the Border and Immigration Agency to the family member of a national of a EEA country or SwitzerlandA passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder is exempt from immigration control and either:is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UKhas the right of abode in the UKhas no time limit on their stay in the UKAn Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office or the United Kingdom Border Agency to the holder with an endorsement indicating that the person named in it, is allowed to stay indefinitely in the United Kingdom or has no time limit on their stay in the United KingdomEU or other nationalities photo-card driving licence accompanied by an international driving permit, valid up to 12 months up to the date of when the individual entered the UK (can only be accepted face-to-face)ARC (Application Registration Card) and Home Office Decision Grant Letter. These documents can be used together if the information is the same and confirmed by the Home Office to verify ID, but only by exception, when a refugee has not had their UKVI account created by the Home Office to access their eVisa. One without the other cannot be acceptedHome Office ‘View and Prove’ eVisa service (can only be accepted face-to-face). Please note that although a document is listed, there may be a need for accompanying evidence alongside any of these to sufficiently prove someone’s identity.

Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made on considering the industry feedback on introducing BESS to the Environmental Permitting Regulations.

The Government is committed to ensuring grid-scale batteries remain as safe as possible and we are exploring options to enhance safeguards to manage the potential environmental and public health risks associated with grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) sites. We are currently considering responses to the Government's recent consultation on modernising environmental permitting for industry, which asked for views on potentially including grid-scale BESS sites within environmental permitting regulations.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will hold discussions with the Electrical Storage Health and Safety Governance Group on introducing BESS to the Environmental Permitting Regulations.

Defra officials have regularly attended Electrical Storage Health and Safety Governance Group meetings, where the proposal of potentially including battery energy storage system (BESS) sites into the Environmental Permitting Regulations has previously been discussed. Officials will continue to engage with the Group, and other key stakeholders, as part of BESS policy development.

Food and Rural Affairs, when she plans to publish the official response to the public consultation on Environmental Permitting Regulations which concluded last year.

The Government response to the public consultation on modernising environmental permitting for industry will be published in due course. We welcome the input received from respondents to the consultation. The reforms will support innovation and improve the permitting framework.

How his Department is using powers within the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025 to help identify fraud in the welfare system.

The Fraud, Error and Recovery Act will deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money and demonstrates the government’s commitment not to tolerate fraud, error or waste anywhere in public services, including the social security system. It will reduce public sector fraud and error and allow the more effective recovery of monies owed to government. It includes powers to modernise DWP’s investigation powers to help prove or disprove suspected fraud more quickly and allows DWP to take greater control in our investigations into serious organised crimes through new powers of entry, search and seizure. All powers in the Act are underpinned by a principle of fairness and proportionality, with numerous safeguards and independent oversight in place. The measures in this Act will provide benefits to the taxpayer of £2.1 billion by 2030/31, part of wider plans that will save £14.6 billion. In December 2025, DWP launched a 12-week consultation on three Codes of Practice which, once finalised, will be laid before Parliament and will support delivery of key measures in the Act.

What assessment his Department has made of the value of expanding the number of JobsPlus sites across the UK, following the ten current pilot sites across England.

Jobs Plus is a community-based model with strong potential to tackle inactivity and unemployment. The department is testing the model in ten social housing communities across England to generate evidence on place-based support. The pilots will be evaluated to assess their effectiveness in helping people enter and remain in work. We will carefully consider what we have learnt from these pilots as we develop our future employment support offer.

What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the JobsPlus programme which is being delivered through ten pilot sites across England.

Jobs Plus is a community-based model with strong potential to tackle inactivity and unemployment. The department is testing the model in ten social housing communities across England to generate evidence on place-based support. The pilots will be evaluated to assess their effectiveness in helping people enter and remain in work. We will carefully consider what we have learnt from these pilots as we develop our future employment support offer.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of place-based employment support programmes such as JobsPlus in addressing levels of economic inactivity and unemployment.

Jobs Plus is a community-based model with strong potential to tackle inactivity and unemployment. The department is testing the model in ten social housing communities across England to generate evidence on place-based support. The pilots will be evaluated to assess their effectiveness in helping people enter and remain in work. We will carefully consider what we have learnt from these pilots as we develop our future employment support offer.

What plans his Department has to help support the national rollout of community-led employment programmes such as JobsPlus following the conclusion of the current pilot phase.

Jobs Plus is a community-based model with strong potential to tackle inactivity and unemployment. The department is testing the model in ten social housing communities across England to generate evidence on place-based support. The pilots will be evaluated to assess their effectiveness in helping people enter and remain in work. We will carefully consider what we have learnt from these pilots as we develop our future employment support offer.

How many Youth Hubs there were in January (a) 2025 and (b) 2026.

The Government is committed to increasing opportunities for young people. That is why the Department for Work & Pensions is expanding Youth Hubs for 16–24 year olds to increase coverage to more than 360 locations across Great Britain, ensuring that every young person - including those not receiving benefits - can access opportunities and comprehensive support in their local area. In January 2026, there were 114 fully opened Youth Hubs. For new and existing Youth Hubs, we have introduced a core blueprint for minimum service standards, marking a major step forward in making employment support more accessible and seamlessly integrated with other essential services—such as health, housing, and wellbeing—tailored to local needs and partnerships. In January 2025 there were 97 fully opened Youth Hubs. The number of open Youth Hubs is unpublished management information, collected and intended for internal department use and has not been quality assured to National Statistics or Official Statistics standard.

How many a) UK nationals and b) non-UK nationals are in receipt of Universal Credit, who are currently abroad for a period of up to six months.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. A customer who is claiming Universal Credit (UC) can go abroad for up to one calendar month. If the claimant exceeds the period abroad and the reason for the trip abroad does not fall under circumstances that allow exemption, a temporary absence decision will be made and assessment periods that exceed the month can be reduced to nil entitlement. If there is a doubt on whether the claimant is habitually resident, a Habitual Residence Test will take place and a decision made on whether the claim should be disallowed.