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Work and Pensions Committee gives verdict on proposed reforms to incapacity benefits

The House of Commons Work and pensions Committee has published "Incapacity Benefits and Pathways to Work - Third Report of Session 2005/2006.

The report examines the reform of incapacity benefits and Pathways to Work. Some of its conclusions are that:

• there is not enough detail about how the Government’s objective to get one million people off incapacity benefits within ten years will be achieved.
• reforms need to take account of “the complexity of ill or disabled peoples’ lives, especially those with fluctuating and mental health conditions”.
• the £360 million allocated for the national roll out of Pathway to Work ‘may not be sufficient without services being watered down’.
• little consideration has being given to the IT systems, risks and resources required to administer the proposed new two-tier employment and support allowance (ESA).
• the changes offer little for those already claiming incapacity benefits.
• there ‘remains much work to do in engaging employers and addressing the poor understanding that many have on disability issues’.
• greater thought needs to be given to how those with mental health problems can be assisted back in to work.
• the awareness of the Access to Work Scheme amongst disabled people and employers remains far too low. The budget for the scheme is inadequate.
• in-work support is crucial for incapacity benefits claimants who move into work and should be available for more than six months.
• the ‘holding benefit’ should be set at a level comparable with statutory sick pay (£70.05) to ensure a more consistent income for ill or disabled claimants.
• the Department should develop a strategy to ensure that all disabled people, including groups such as people with learning disabilities, deaf and blind people have full access to the range of services offered.

You can download the full report or view the summary and conclusions from the links below..

More information

• press release - work and pensions committee
• incapacity benefits and pathways to work

1. full report
2. summary
3. conclusions and recommendations

• response to the work and pensions committee Inquiry into the reform of incapacity benefits and pathways to work

1. pdf version
2. word version

• welfare reform green paper

Note: for pdf files you will need to download adobe acrobat reader. To convert the pdf to alternative formats or for more information on accessibility go to access adobe.

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