The DWP have announced that all health assessments for PIP and the WCA will be automatically audio recorded from today. This includes both face-to-face assessments and telephone assessments.
The government committed to recording all assessments in the Pathways to Work Green Paper last year, but did not give a firm date for doing so.
Currently claimants can request an audio recording, but the DWP say that only 3% do so.
Disability minister Stephen Timms said “Improving transparency and trust in the benefits system is one of this government’s key aims, which is why we’re making this important change.”
“Audio recording health assessments as standard will mean we are available to make improvements and increase assessment quality, resulting in a better experience for claimants.”
Claimants can still make their own audio recording of an assessment and can choose to opt-out of the DWP recording process if they wish.
