§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what recent representations she has received regarding the all-work test; [9776]
375W(2) what response the Government have made to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux report published in March entitled, "An Unfit Test". [9775]
§ Mr. DenhamA number of representations have been received regarding the incapacity benefit all-work test from groups representing disabled people, other interested organisations and individuals affected. I have also seen the recent report by the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. Some important issues have been raised which will be considered in the context of the general review of social security. Our aim is to provide a system that helps those who can to become financially independent, and focus support on those who cannot.
It is important that the test for incapacity benefit commands confidence as a fair system that appropriately assesses whether an individual is capable of work for benefit purposes.