THE UK Government is "failing" vulnerable and disabled people in Wales, a Newport MP has said, after figures showed three quarters of appeals relating to benefit payments were upheld.

Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, is a benefit payment provided to disabled people or those with long-term health conditions. It is replacing the Disability Living Allowance and has been rolled out since 2013.

But now it has emerged 75 per cent of appeals against a decision in the 2017-2018 financial year in Wales were upheld. This related to appeals against decisions to refuse payment, and well as when the claimant has appealed against the amount of their payment, claiming they are entitled to more.

The figures were revealed following a written question to the Department for Work and Pensions by Newport East MP Jessica Morden, and also showed the number of decisions overturned in Gwent over the same period was 77 per cent.

Labour MP Ms Morden said the figures showed the assessment process for PIP assessment process, which is run by Capita and involves a face-to-face interview, is "not fit for purpose".

“The system is failing disabled people across the country, including here in Wales," she said.

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"The statistics themselves do not convey the misery, anxiety and uncertainty which is inflicted on each person forced through the unedifying process that ends in a tribunal, even when it is successful.

"Affected constituents have told me that the current system has left them feeling belittled and dehumanised, and have even likened the process to being put on trial for a crime.

“We also know that there are many affected disabled people who will choose to avoid the stress and anxiety of the tribunal process altogether, meaning that they will continue to live with the financial and personal consequences of an incorrect assessment.

"It’s clear the assessment and decision making process is flawed and we can’t go on like this – the government needs to review the way it assesses PIP claims and move towards a system that treats people with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

The figures show 79 per cent of appeals in Newport West and Blaenau Gwent were upheld in 2017-2018, along with 78 per cent in Torfaen and 77 per cent in Newport East. Caerphilly saw 75 per cent of appeals upheld, while 74 per cent were upheld in both Monmouth and Islwyn.

A DWP spokeswoman said in response: “Since PIP was introduced 3.7m decisions have been made, of these just five per cent have been overturned. Often when decisions are overturned people have provided further evidence in the support of their claim.”