THE delays facing some claimants of a flagship government welfare scheme are "unacceptable", a minister admitted as the latest update was published.

Data released by the Department for Work and Pensions showed that of the 529,400 cases registered for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) between April 2013 and the end of July this year, just over 206,000 had been cleared - either awarded, declined or withdrawn.

Mark Harper, minister for disabled people, said: "Unlike the old system, PIP includes a face-to-face assessment and regular reviews to ensure support goes to those who need it most.

"Today's figures show just that, with nearly 23 per cent of people getting the highest level of support, compared to 16% under Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

"We accept that the delays faced by some people are unacceptable, and we are committed to putting that right. Between May and July we have doubled the number of claims processed and we are working hard to continue to make further improvements.

"By the end of the year we expect that no-one will be waiting for an assessment for longer than 16 weeks."

According to the statistics, PIP has been awarded to 51 per cent of new claimants since April 2013. Since October 2013, it has been granted in 72 per cent of reassessment cases, namely people previously on DLA.

Reacting to the figures, chief executive of disability charity Scope Richard Hawkes called on the Government to do "everything in its power" to address the delays, which he said were causing financial uncertainty, distress and anxiety.