EPILEPSY AND PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT

That this House expresses serious concern at the high number of people with epilepsy being denied Personal Independence Payment (PIP); is alarmed that since the introduction of this benefit the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has denied PIP to over 41 per cent of people living with epilepsy who previously received Disability Living Allowance (DLA); expresses concern that this is over double the national average for all health conditions and is the second highest reassessment rejection rate out of all health conditions; is further alarmed that previous figures show that of the 33 per cent that appealed a PIP decision, 77 per cent won on appeal and received the benefit; believes this demonstrates that epilepsy is currently not assessed correctly by the DWP; notes that this must change to ensure that the benefits system is fair for all; understands that epilepsy is a condition that affects 55,000 people in Scotland which causes debilitating seizures and can also seriously affect a person’s mental health, energy levels and cognitive function; further notes with concern that despite legislation in place, the wider impacts of epilepsy and associated risks are often ignored in the current assessment process; recognises that Epilepsy Scotland is working with the Scottish Government to rectify this issue under the new devolved system and create awareness that Epilepsy is more than Seizures; and calls on the UK Government to take similar action and make the system fairer for people with epilepsy.