LCNI is today publishing a series of Condition Insight Reports (CIRs) which will assist claimants applying for PIP and those advocating on their behalf.
What is a Condition Insight Report (CIR)?
A CIR is a health condition report produced and published by Capita (contracted to conduct clinical assessments for PIP and the Work Capability Assessment for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance). The Department for Communities (DfC) and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have oversight of CIRs. A CIR is created individually for respective health conditions and provides key information on a particular condition, produced collaboratively with experts.
What actions did LCNI take?
Capita created CIRs for internal use only and not for distribution. However, LCNI became aware of the existence of CIRs and made a Freedom of Information Request (FOI). LCNI believe it is important to know what information Capita uses to inform and train their assessors about conditions. In response to our FOI request, DfC and Capita provided LCNI with copy CIRs for 61 health conditions.
We engaged with DfC and Capita requesting they publish and maintain up to date CIR data, as it is important that advisors and applicants have access to relevant information for their PIP applications.
The Result
The Result
We are pleased to note Capita’s change in policy to allow publication of this information. LCNI have received confirmation that Capita are looking at how they can facilitate publication of CIRs on the new HAAS website. This result will inform claimants and assessors about health conditions, ensuring that the information is accessible to those who require it.
Should you require further assistance, you can view the CIR documents here or contact LCNI’s Specialist Advice Line via telephone on 028 9024 4401.
This information supplements our earlier publication Advice on PIP in Northern Ireland 2023.
[Edited 09:10 25.09.24]