Written questions by Morrison.

When he plans to respond to correspondence of 1 and 28 February 2026 from the hon. Member for Cheadle on the DWP Complaints Team.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to help ensure that the child maintenance service a) minimises and mitigates administrative or otherwise errors and b) that parents using the child maintenance service are not incorrectly moved onto a non-enforced payment method despite a history of missed payments.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has a range of controls in place to minimise administrative and other errors. CMS uses verified income information from HM Revenue and Customs and other government systems and applies statutory calculation rules in assessing maintenance liabilities. Caseworkers are supported by detailed operational instructions, the Child Maintenance Decision Makers’ Guide, and child maintenance legislation to ensure decisions are made accurately and consistently. Quality assurance activity is used to identify, mitigate, and address errors, including through case sampling, call listening, and management oversight. Decisions on whether a case is managed under a non‑enforced or enforced payment method are based on an assessment of a paying parent’s payment history, likelihood of compliance in line with policy guidance and statutory regulations. Caseworkers are required to record decision making for changes in payment method, and these decisions are subject to team leader and quality assurance checks as part of the Department’s Quality Assurance Framework. Parents are provided with written explanations of calculations and decisions and have access to mandatory reconsideration and independent appeal routes where they believe a decision is incorrect.

What steps he is currently taking to improve the training of staff and quality of service for users of the child maintenance service.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is committed to improving customer experience and are taking significant steps to enhance service quality for customers. All CMS caseworkers receive extensive technical and soft skills training to ensure they are fully equipped to meet the needs of customers. We are investing in developing, reviewing, and improving new entrant and caseworker training materials and delivery across CMS in order to ensure greater consistency in customer interactions. Our transformed caseworker Smart Instructions ensure guidance is clearer, easier to follow, and more consistent, enabling caseworkers to access up to date instructions more quickly and reliably during customer interactions. CMS proactively use quality assurance checks, call listening, customer insight from complaints and feedback to identify where caseworkers may need additional coaching or support to deliver a consistent and confident telephony service. Through our Service Modernisation Programme, we are expanding digital channels and self-service options providing greater choice and flexibility and a faster and more responsive service to our customers. We have enhanced customer communications by increasing the use of SMS text and email and simplifying letters to make them clearer and easier to understand. Our online service My Child Maintenance Case (MCMC), allows parents to access advice and manage their case 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of removing the 4% collection fees for receiving parents using the child maintenance service.

Following a public consultation on wider reforms to consolidate the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) into a single service type where the CMS collects and transfers payments, the Government published its response setting out plans to reform the CMS. This includes plans to reduce fees to 2% for both receiving parents and compliant paying parents, maintaining the 20% rate for non-compliant paying parents on top of their calculated maintenance amount. The reformed service is expected to improve CMS’s ability to re-establish compliance more efficiently when payments break down. Retaining fees at this substantially reduced level will balance the interests of customers with the need to offset the cost of the service and provide the investment needed to make the reforms, reducing the burden on the taxpayer. Our intention is to implement these changes as soon as parliamentary time allows.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of Personal Independence Payment assessments in addressing the fluctuating and energy-limiting nature of Myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a medically recognised condition associated with a range of disabling effects which depend upon the severity of the condition. All Health Professionals (HPs) receive comprehensive training in disability analysis, including how to assess the impacts of medical conditions on claimant’s day-to-day activities, as well as awareness training in a range of conditions, symptoms and disabilities. HPs have access to a wide range of Core Training and Guidance Material (CTGM). These resources offer detailed clinical and functional information, including the potential risks and limitations of a range of conditions, such as ME/CFS, to support HPs in delivering informed assessments. All core training and guidance materials are quality assured to ensure their accuracy from both a clinical and policy perspective. In addition, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) criteria consider an individual’s ability over a 12-month period, ensuring that fluctuations are considered. It is essential for the assessment to accurately reflect the impact of variations in an individual's level of impairment, this is important for all health conditions, not only those which more typically fluctuate. For each activity, if a descriptor applies on more than 50 per cent of the days in the 12-month period, that descriptor should be chosen. In general, HPs should record function over an average year for conditions that fluctuate over months, per week for conditions that fluctuate by the day, and by the day for conditions that vary over a day.

Pursuant to the answer of 23 February 2026 to Question 110973, what proportion of the consolatory payment was as a result of a decision by the Independent Case Examiner to increase the payment offered by his Department in each of the last 5 years.

As part of its investigations, the Independent Case Examiner (ICE) reviews any remedies (including consolatory payments) already offered by DWP during its own complaints process. ICE considers whether these remedies were appropriate and adequately reflected the impact of maladministration. This assessment informs the findings ICE reaches and any recommendations it makes. However, ICE does not record information on the level of consolatory payments that DWP may have made prior to escalation to ICE. The Department does record consolatory payments recommended by ICE. However, identifying what proportion of these payments were made specifically because ICE increased the offer originally made by the Department’s complaints service would require a manual review of individual case files, as this level of detail is not held in an accessible format. Carrying out this work would exceed the cost limit set for central Government, and we are therefore unable to provide the information requested.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing legally-binding targets for reducing child poverty.

The Monitoring and Evaluation framework published alongside the Strategy set out that a baseline report will be published in Summer 2026 with annual reporting on progress thereafter and Government already has a statutory duty to publish poverty statistics annually. We have put these clear reporting arrangements in place so that the progress we make is transparent for all.

If he will take steps to ensure that a message is included prior to starting the benefits claim process (a) online, (b) in print and (c) by phone to make it clear that (i) free and (ii) independent support is available.

Free help and support in applying for Universal Credit is available from Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland. Free help and support for claiming other DWP benefits is widely available, including on GOV.UK, from the Department itself, and from organisations such as Age UK. There is no need for claimants to pay for advice and support with benefit applications.

What steps he is taking to support young people pursuing apprenticeships who are unable to obtain English and Maths GCSEs; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the requirement to obtain English and Maths GCSEs when irrelevant to their chosen vocation on young people's confidence and self belief.

Young people are not required to hold GCSE qualifications in English and/or maths before starting an apprenticeship. Apprentices under the age of 19 are funded to achieve up to a level 2 qualification in English and/or maths (where they do not already hold one) before the end of their apprenticeship, putting them in the best position to progress in their life and career. This can be a GCSE or functional skills qualification. Further flexibility is in place for apprentices with a learning difficulty and/or disability, where there is evidence this is likely to be a barrier to them completing their apprenticeship. In these cases, they are able to achieve an entry level 3 functional skills qualification to complete. Since August 2024, this flexibility has been available to apprentices with a learning difficulty and/or disability but without an Education Health and Care Plan.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the requirement to have GCSEs to enter apprenticeships on young people with disabilities, learning difficulties and neurodivergence.

Young people are not required to hold GCSE qualifications in English and/or maths before starting an apprenticeship. Apprentices under the age of 19 are funded to achieve up to a level 2 qualification in English and/or maths (where they do not already hold one) before the end of their apprenticeship, putting them in the best position to progress in their life and career. This can be a GCSE or functional skills qualification. Further flexibility is in place for apprentices with a learning difficulty and/or disability, where there is evidence this is likely to be a barrier to them completing their apprenticeship. In these cases, they are able to achieve an entry level 3 functional skills qualification to complete. Since August 2024, this flexibility has been available to apprentices with a learning difficulty and/or disability but without an Education Health and Care Plan.

In each of the last 5 years, a) how many complaints to his Department have resulted in a consolatory payment being made to benefit recipients in recognition of delays or errors made by DWP; and b) what is the total amount of those consolatory payments in each of the last 5 years.

We have provided the number of consolatory payments made in the last five years to benefit recipients in recognition of delays and errors made by DWP in the table below. YearNumber of Consolatory PaymentsTotal Gross Cost (£)2020/2131512943152021/226483525956.412022/238150674850.492023/247119684206.922024/256447643899.70

In each of the last 5 years, a) how many complaints have been made to his Department, b) how many of those complaints have been referred to the Independent Case Examiner, and c) how many of those referrals have resulted in payments or additional payments being made to the complainant.

a) The Department publishes a quarterly series of Official Statistics including DWP complaints received, closed and upheld by each business area, and categorisation of the reason for complaint:DWP Complaints Statistics to September 2025 - GOV.UKThe number complaints received in each quarter from September 2020 to September 2025 are available in Table 1 of the accompanying data tables:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/693accf1c72b0f8ccf33d600/dwp-complaints-statistics-september-2025-data-tables.odsThe next release of the Official Statistics will be published in March 2026, containing data to 31 December 2025.b) The Independent Case Examiner (ICE) publishes an Annual Report each year. The reports include data relating to complaint intake volumes. The Independent Case Examiner’s Annual Reports are available on gov.uk.DWP complaints: Annual reports by the Independent Case Examiner - GOV.UKc) ICE is unable to confirm how many cases it recommended DWP pay financial redress for prior to 2023/24 as its data retention policy means this data is no longer available.Of the investigations ICE concluded in 2023/24, ICE recommended DWP pay financial redress in 1,388 cases. In 2024/25, the volume of cases where ICE recommended financial redress be paid by DWP was 1,332.

What evidence is required for a former textile worker to demonstrate eligibility for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit where (a) exposure occurred several decades ago and (b) the employer has since ceased trading.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) may be payable to individuals who become disabled because of an accident at work or develop an illness because of their job. Accidents and diseases arising from self-employment are excluded.There are several prescribed diseases that may apply to former textile workers depending on individual circumstances.Eligibility is assessed in line with relevant legislation and requires:evidence of employment as an employed earnerdetails of exposure to a relevant occupational hazard, andevidence of a loss of faculty persisting past the 90th dayThe Department may arrange a medical assessment, where necessary, to establish the extent of disablement.Where exposure occurred many years ago, evidence may include historical employment records, National Insurance records, HMRC employment data, personal statements describing the nature of the work, and corroborative evidence from former colleagues or industry sources.The fact that an employer has ceased trading does not affect eligibility for IIDB, as the benefit is paid by the Department rather than an employer.

Whether any lung or respiratory conditions linked to exposure to jute or textile fibres are currently prescribed diseases for the purposes of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

The Department keeps the list of prescribed diseases under review for the purposes of entitlement to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. There are several prescribed diseases that may apply to lung or respiratory conditions depending on individual circumstances and the nature of occupational exposure, including work involving certain textile fibres. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with the relevant regulations.

Whether the Winter Fuel Allowance reforms include any safeguards for pensioners who have recently been widowed and whose household income has significantly reduced.

Winter Fuel Payments remain a simple scheme which provides a payment to the majority of pensioners quickly and automatically, as a contribution towards heating costs in winter - and around 9 million pensioners will benefit this winter. Pensioners who experience a significant reduction in their household income may become eligible for much more significant financial support such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.

What steps the Department is taking to address potential unintended consequences of the new Winter Fuel Allowance criteria that result in single pensioners with lower incomes being excluded from support given to higher-income couples.

Winter Fuel Payments remain a simple scheme to provide a payment to the majority of pensioners quickly and automatically, as a contribution to heating costs in winter. The personal tax system operates on an individual basis and, as such, any individual with an income of more than £35,000 will have their Winter Fuel Payment recovered. This means that the vast majority of pensioners will now benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment.

Whether Jobcentre Plus staff receive training on trauma-informed approaches when working with refugees and asylum seekers.

The DWP launched introductory trauma informed learning in Summer 2025, following a successful pilot across 23/24; supporting staff to respond to experiences of adversity and trauma including that experienced by refugees and asylum seekers. The learning is further embedded through bespoke products and wider initiatives. This is part of a comprehensive training package designed to equip staff with the skills to provide high-quality, inclusive customer service to all claimants and tailor support to individual needs. The Department remains committed to continually reviewing and improving training to meet the diverse requirements of customers.

What steps he is taking to consult with (a) disabled and (b) chronically ill people as part of the Timms Review of the PIP Assessment.

The Timms Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, to ensure that expertise from a wide range of perspectives is drawn upon. I have announced that the Review will be co-chaired by myself alongside Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. We will oversee a steering group responsible for leading the co-production process, setting the Review’s strategic direction, priorities and workplan. The group will be made up of a majority of disabled people or representatives of disabled people’s organisations and will be recruited through an open and transparent Expression of Interest process.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Universal Credit Bill on (a) people with ME and (b) other fluctuating conditions; and whether the forthcoming ME delivery plan will consider the potential impact of this Bill.

Our reforms are not condition specific. People with ME/CFS will be treated equally to those with other health conditions and disabilities. We are aware of the fluctuating nature of ME/CFS, the wide variety of disability associated with this condition and the specific needs of those individuals. The Pathways to Work offer announced in the Green Paper will improve the employment support available for disabled people and people with health conditions, including those with fluctuating chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS. The Department of Health and Social Care published the final ME/CFS delivery plan on 22 July. The plan focuses on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease. The latter includes helping people with ME/CFS to find and maintain employment, where appropriate, through our department’s plans to improve employment support available for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Universal Credit Bill on young people under 22 with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

The Universal Credit Bill makes no change to the eligibility of young people under 22 for the Universal Credit Health element. The proposal to restrict access to the element was the subject of a consultation which closed on 30 June. The responses to the consultation are now being reviewed, and the Government’s conclusion will be announced in a white paper in the autumn.