HC Deb 06 July 1999 vol 334 c507W
Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will produce the alternative to the all work test. [89180]

Mr. Bayley

The Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill contains provisions to replace the all work test with the Personal Capability Assessment. The Personal Capability Assessment will continue to determine, in the same way as now, whether a person meets the threshold of incapacity for entitlement to incapacity benefits. That threshold will not change but the Personal Capability Assessment will also be able to provide additional constructive information about what a person can do, despite their medical condition or disability. This additional information will help personal advisers give their clients the support they need to move back to work. Subject to the passage of the Bill, the Personal Capability Assessment will be included in the ONE service pilots from this Autumn.