The UK Government has unveiled plans for a new PIP centre in Bangor, easing fears that disabled claimants could face round trips of up to 140 miles for their assessments.
Assessments for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in Gwynedd and Anglesey were carried out at Ty Menai on the Parc Menai business park, Bangor until it closed suddenly in November 2019.
But after pressure was placed by local MPs, following complaints from claimants living on the Llŷn Peninsula that they faced a 140-mile round trip to Rhyl, whilst also being denied a home visit, a temporary venue was set up earlier this year.
Located within Storiel in Bangor, a temporary lease was obtained in February while a more permanent solution was sought.
But plans have now been submitted to Gwynedd Council by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to transform a former dentist surgery into the new permanent facility, based at Canolfan Menai, near the city centre.
“The centre will be used to assess claimants for their eligibility for relevant benefit claims,” notes the supporting documents.
“The consultations are undertaken by trained professionals however no medical procedures take place at the site. No hazardous or medical waste is generated.
“The central location of the health assessment centre ensures that claimants can easily access the site. The site is located close to bus stops, is only a short walk from Bangor train station and is near to a number of car parks, which each contain disabled car parking spaces.”
Welcoming the development was the local MP, who has campaigned to re-establish a permanent centre in the city since November.
Hywel Williams told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, “I’m pleased the DWP has finally yielded to pressure and reversed their decision to remove the disability assessment centre from Bangor, proposing a new and permanent site in the city centre.
“Having closed their assessment centre in Parc Menai without any prior consultation, I stressed the need for an alternative accessible central location for this vital service.
“It is absolutely imperative that those living with a severe disability and all the complications this brings, are able to attend their appointments in as convenient and as local a location as possible.
“Vulnerable people in my constituency and from across north west Wales living with complex disabilities should not be expected to travel great distances just to be told they’re fit to work.
“I will be keeping a close eye on the situation over the coming weeks and months, ensuring sufficient progress is made to get this centre up and running as soon as possible.”
It is expected that Gwynedd Council’s planning department will make a decision on the application over the coming weeks.
The Department for Work and Pensions has been approached to comment.
