PIP Claim Form/confidential information

Hi,

I was just reading the advice for HPs on assessing PIP claims and saw something that has given me pause. It says that any written information marked as confidential by either the claimant or a third party can’t be used as evidence in a PIP claim as it can’t be shared.


“Confidential information
1.4.13 Any written information that is marked by a claimant or a third party as ‘confidential’ or ‘in confidence’ cannot be used in a claim for PIP as it cannot be further disclosed to a DWP CM.”



All of my evidence is pretty much summary letters from my therapists and consultant psychologists and it all says Private and Confidential for addressee only.
Can I put in writing, along with my PIP form and these supporting letters, that I give permission for them to be shared with the relevant third parties?

Several pieces of my evidence also say they're confidential, and I've not had a problem - one piece was specifically referenced in my report, so it was definitely considered as part of my claim. I can't forsee it being a problem for you to be honest, but it's good to be cautious - a letter saying you give consent for them to consider it won't cause any harm as far as I can see. (Usual disclaimer about not being an expert/take what I say with a pinch of salt/not trained in allthis stuff)

Thank you both. That’s set my mind at ease. It’s a curious thing for them to write in the guidance, though. I got that quote directly off the government website, here:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/perso...e-assessment-process

Interesting............. some of my daughters evidence from work was also noted Private and "Not to be shared" - BUT this was waived for PIP evidence purposes by a covering letter from me, as appointee, explaining that my daughter was asked by the workplace Occupational Therapist if she was "happy to share the findings in the report" My daughter thought that the therapist meant to share it with everyone else at work, so said No - shows the skill set of the OT, that they did not bother to clarify what 'share' meant! - So 'interesting' because the report was not listed as 'evidence the Assessor used'