§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consultations are taking place regarding the replacement for the all work test for incapacity benefit; when the changes are planned to be introduced; and if he will make a statement. [65068]
§ Mr. TimmsOur proposals on benefits for those with a long-term illness or disability were published in the consultation document "A new contract for welfare: Support for Disabled People". We will give full consideration to the responses when the consultation period ends on Friday 8 January 1999. In addition a subgroup of the Disability Benefits Forum has been set up to consider proposals for reform of the All Work Test and in particular to examine ways in which the test may be used to provide information to help people claiming incapacity benefits who want to plan a return to work. One meeting has taken place and a further 2 or 3 meetings are planned before the subgroup report back to the Disability Benefits Forum at the end of March.
We are aiming to introduce changes to the test from April 2000.