Since last week's Budget, a number of constituents in Torbay have contacted me about potential changes to Personal Independence Payments.
I have also gone out of my way to consult widely with local people who may be affected, including attending the Multiple Sclerosis Society (South Devon Branch) meeting last Saturday at the Grand Hotel in Torquay where I talked face to face with people who receive PIPs.
The feedback at that meeting and from other constituents in receipt of PIPs who have contacted me clearly highlighted a number of valid issues and concerns. I was therefore pleased to see the Government announce in the House of Commons yesterday that plans to reform PIPs have been withdrawn.
I have been clear in all of my dealings with Government Ministers since I was elected in May 2015 that changes to payments to the most disadvantaged in our society must be handled with extreme care and sensitivity. In Parliament yesterday, I asked the new Secretary of State, Stephen Crabb MP, what plans he had to consult with disabled groups to better inform future Government policy in this area.
You can view my exchange with the Secretary of State at http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/dd35a56b-0f88-4987-82ed-1b46a4b661… view the entire debate at http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/dd35a56b-0f88-4987-82ed-1b46a4b661…