§ 33. Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the financial implications of his proposed changes to incapacity benefit. [58401]
§ Mr. TimmsThe modernisation of Incapacity Benefit for new claimants, with reformed contribution conditions and the taking into account of 50 per cent. of amounts of occupational and personal pensions over £50 a week, will reduce expenditure on Incapacity Benefit by £90 million in the first year (2001–02), rising to some £650 to £700 million a year in the long run.
§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to reform the all work test. [58396]
§ Mr. TimmsWe intend to reform the test so that, as well as determining entitlement to benefit, it provides additional, constructive, information about people's 395W capacities which, together with a wider employability assessment, can be used to help them plan for a return to work.