To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any consideration he has given to regulating individuals or organisations that provide paid assistance with Personal Independence Payment applications.

I am aware of the increasing prevalence of online organisations offering paid assistance with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications and have sought legal advice about potential regulation. Where suspected fraud is identified, including where it arises from the actions or involvement of third parties, those individuals or organisations will be investigated fully.

The Department provides annual funding of approximately £7.7 million to the independent advice and debt sector in Northern Ireland to deliver free, and impartial advice. A reminder about these reputable and free advice services, and the services including outreach delivered by Make the Call, has been posted by the Department on social media channels.