§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what was the average (1) change of benefit income per person who last year failed to satisfy the personal capability assessment requirements to continue to receive incapacity benefit; [20229]
(2) net income from wages of people who obtained employment after failing the incapacity test last year; and if this was on average higher or lower than their previous benefit income. [20230]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownWe are committed to helping sick and disabled people back into work where they are able to do so, while providing support for those who cannot work. Through our welfare reforms we have put into place measures to make work possible and to make it pay.
As part of these reforms the Personal Capability Assessment (PCA) was introduced in April 2000 to allow additional information to be gathered about a person's capabilities, to assist a personal adviser in helping them plan a return to work. The PCA is about helping people into work, not making it harder to get benefit.
Between 1 March 2000 and 28 February 2001 people who were found fit for work following a PCA (the All Work Test before 1 April 2000) saw an average benefit reduction of £39.60 per week.
Information is not available on the average net income of people who were found fit for work following a PCA and are now in paid employment.
§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for each of the new Jobcentre Plus pathfinder areas, how many new claims for incapacity benefit have been made since the introduction of the scheme, and of these, how many(a) waivers and (b) deferrals for work-focused interviews have been made; how many work-focused interviews have taken place; and how many claimants have (i) refused to attend an interview and (ii) been subjected to benefit sanctions. [21961]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThe information is not available in the format requested.