At Justice Questions yesterday, I highlighted the plunge in the number of people receiving legal aid to challenge benefit decisions since the Government’s changes to the system, from over 91,431 in 2012-13 to only 478 last year.

The Ministry of Justice’s own research shows that while 90% of claimants with legal representation are successful on appeal, only 28% of unrepresented claimants win their case. This could mean tens of thousands of people in poor health or with disabilities losing out on vital income because of cuts to legal aid.

The next Labour Government will restore legal aid for social security appeals to ensure claimants have the right support to challenge incorrect decisions by the DWP and I called on the Government to do that now.