HC Deb 08 January 2002 vol 377 cc689-91W
Mike Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will review the impact of the benefit system on people with mental health problems; and if he will make a statement; [19392]

(2) if it is his policy to consult (a) individuals and (b) organisations representing people with mental health disabilities when sickness benefits regulations are (i) reviewed and (ii) implemented; and if he will make a statement. [19393]

Maria Eagle

We are committed to helping sick and disabled people back into work where they are able to do so, while providing support for those who cannot work.

We have already increased the earnings disregards for disabled people, introduced the disabled persons' tax credit to help make work pay and the disability income guarantee which provides a guaranteed level of income for the most severely disabled people. From next April we are changing the permitted work rules to help more people try out some work without fear of it affecting their benefit entitlement. Guidance has recently been issued to Benefits Agency staff to help raise awareness about how they can help customers with mental health problems.

We routinely consult with a wide range of interested organisations and individuals to help inform proposed policy changes. Piloting, with evaluation, is often used to refine services that will make a reality of our aim to promote opportunity and independence for all. The Department is statutorily required to put proposals for amendments to existing benefit regulations to the Social Security Advisory Committee for its consideration before they come before Parliament.

Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people with a mental health problem as the main reason for a claim to incapacity benefits were given a personal capability assessment last year; and of these, how many(a) were found capable of work and lost entitlement to incapacity benefits, (b) claimed other benefits instead, (c) were not entitled to benefits, (d) obtained employment and for how long, (e) did not obtain employment and (f) returned to a claim for incapacity benefit within a year. [20228]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

Between 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, 279,950 people claiming incapacity benefit because of a mental health disorder were referred for a Personal Capability Assessment. Information for a corresponding period is not available on(a) the number of these people who were found capable of work and were no longer entitled to incapacity benefit; (b) the number who successfully claimed other benefits; (c) the number who subsequently reclaimed incapacity benefit within one year. Such information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Information is not collected on the number of people leaving incapacity benefit who (i) are not entitled to other benefits; (ii) obtain employment; or (iii) do not obtain employment.

Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what(a) training and (b) guidance examining medical practitioners are given on assessing the effects of mental health problems on day-to-day living and mobility. [20232]

Maria Eagle

All Medical Services doctors undertake mandatory Continuing Professional Education training in the assessment of people with mental health problems, and in relating these, as appropriate, to the functional areas of daily living, completion of tasks, interaction with other people, and ability to cope with work. The assessment includes assessing memory, attention span, and ability to concentrate.

Examining Medical Practitioners assessing day to day living needs in connection with claims for disability living allowance or attendance allowance, and mobility needs in connection with claims for the former, receive additional training in assessment of needs for guidance or supervision on account of mental health problems.

Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if examining medical practitioners receive(a) training and (b) guidance on the difficulty for mental health service users in communicating their needs to an EMP. [20233]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

All Medical Services doctors undergo mandatory Continuing Professional Education training in assessment of people with mental health problems, including training in establishing rapport, the use of appropriate interviewing skills and questioning techniques, and assessment of memory, attention and concentration. Doctors are advised to seek additional information from carers or relatives when appropriate.