A delegation of Sinn Féin representatives from across the North will meet the Department for Communities today, Friday, March 1, over the ‘unacceptable’ way in which many Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are being carried out.
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Karen Mullan said: “Every day more reports are emerging about the cruel and inexplicable way these assessments are being carried out.
“People are coming to our offices right across the North to highlight the trauma, stress and the loss of vital benefits that is being caused due to the cruel way in which many of these assessments are being carried out by Capita on behalf of the Department for Communities.
“This situation is entirely unjustifiable and needs to stop.
“We have already called on the Public Services Ombudsman to investigate the handling of PIP assessments and that probe is now underway.
“However, we will continue to keep the pressure on the department and tomorrow a delegation of Sinn Féin elected representatives from across the North to meet with senior officials.
“We will be making it abundantly clear that we feel the department is failing in its duty of care to some of the most vulnerable people in our society and urgent reform is needed.”
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