§ Mrs. FitzsimonsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to allow greater flexibility in the calculation of the annual permitted work rules in respect of average rather than actual weekly earnings for self-employed disabled people. [59756]
§ Maria EagleThe new permitted work rules, introduced on 8 April, give all people receiving incapacity benefits the chance to start moving back into full-time work. When attributing income from irregular work undertaken by self-employed disabled people, decision makers must treat each case on its merits. Guidance advises decision makers to look at income and hours worked over a period of time so that income can be attributed in a fair and equitable way.
We keep all our policies under review. However, we believe that there is sufficient flexibility within the present rules and have no plans to change them.