§ The Earl of Clancartyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any plans to review the operation of the all-work test for claimants of incapacity benefit with mental health disabilities; and, if so, what such plans are. [HL3879]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamThe reformed All Work Test will determine entitlement to incapacity benefits but, in addition we want to help claimants, including those with mental health disabilities, achieve independence by giving them the help and advice they need to plan a return to work. We intend to make changes to ensure that the test produces positive information about a person's capacities which can inform a wider assessment of employability by a personal adviser. We recognise that people with severe mental illness have particular problems and want to ensure that the new arrangements are sensitive to their needs. We will consult with the disability organisations as we work up the detail of the change.