HC Deb 19 January 1998 vol 304 c442W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans she has to change the all work test; [23145]

(2) what research she has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effectiveness of the current all work test in making decisions to meet individual needs; and if she will make a statement. [23146]

Mr. Denham

Our Comprehensive Spending Review is looking at all aspects of provision for sick and disabled people including the appropriateness of the all work test. Our aim is to ensure that the emphasis is placed on people's capacity for work and not their incapacity; their ability and not their disability. The evaluation of the all work test published in February 19971 and the results of the survey of people leaving Incapacity Benefit2 will inform our thinking. We are currently considering our research requirements for 1998 and details of our programme will be published in due course.

Source:

1 "Evaluation of the Incapacity Benefit Medical Test"—In-house Report 26 (DSS February 1997).

Note:

2 As part of the evaluation of Incapacity Benefit the Policy Studies Institute is carrying out a major survey of people leaving Incapacity Benefit. The report is expected to be available later this year.