§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the average duration of an incapacity benefit claim has been in each year since 1997; [177957]
(2) what has been the average duration of a claim for incapacity benefit in each year since 1995. [178847]
§ Maria EagleInformation is not available in the format requested. The available information is in the table.
Incapacity benefits claimants by duration of claims to date Percentage November Duration of claim to date 2000 2001 2002 2003 0–3 months 6 5 5 5 3–6 months 5 4 5 4 6–12 months 7 7 7 7 1–2 years 11 11 11 10 2–5 years 26 25 23 23 5 + years 46 47 50 51 Notes: 1. The figures provided are for length of incapacity benefits claims to date, as data on the average length of completed claims is unavailable. 2. Reliable information on the duration of claims prior to 2000 is unavailable. Source: Incapacity Benefit quarterly figures, 5 per cent. sample. The incapacity benefits caseload is now broadly stable after more than 20 years of significant growth. However, we are determined to help people on these benefits realise their aspirations of a return to work. The Pathways to Work approach, which combines specialist advice, mandatory work-focused interviews, rehabilitation provision, and financial incentives is the most advanced welfare to work policy for this group anywhere in the world.