§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many claimants for incapacity benefit underwent a medical examination in(a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001; and at what cost to public funds; [40783]
(2) what the policy of his Department is towards claimants for incapacity benefit who do not attend an appointment for a medical examination; [40791]
417W(3)how many claimants for incapacity benefit did not attend the medical examination arranged for them in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001; and at what cost to public funds. [40792]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownPeople who have been receiving incapacity benefit for more than 28 weeks normally undergo a personal capability assessment (PCA). The purpose of the PCA is to determine that a person meets the threshold of incapacity to continue receiving benefit. In addition, in selected pilot areas, examining doctors are able to produce a capability report for the person"s personal adviser. The capability report helps those who wish to return to work by shifting the emphasis from disability to ability.
As part of the PCA process, a person may be called, where appropriate, to attend a medical examination. The importance of keeping an appointment along with the potential consequences of not attending are clearly highlighted in the supporting documentation sent to the person.
When a person fails to attend an appointment he or she is asked to provide written details of their reasons for non-attendance. The reasons, along with any other relevant information, are presented to a decision maker for consideration of whether there was good cause for not attending the appointment. The good cause provision acts as a safeguard for vulnerable people and those with genuine difficulties.
A decision maker decides good cause by considering all the evidence and applying the law to the facts of the claim. Each case is considered on merit and all relevant circumstances, including the person"s state of health, are taken into account. If it is decided to withdraw entitlement, then the person can ask for the decision to be reconsidered or referred to an independent appeal tribunal.
The available information is in the tables.
Number of medical examinations Year Number of medical examinations Cost of incapacity benefit examinations (£) 19991 432,210 22,004,978 2000 372,934 18,868,786 2001 455,454 228,654,598 1 Figures for the number of medical examinations performed are not available until the beginning of the 1999–2000 financial year. Therefore, figures for the period 1 January to 31 March 1999 have been estimated. 2 A restructuring of prices took place during 2001. As a result of this, the cost of incapacity benefit examinations increased, but this was offset by a reduction in the cost of Incapacity Benefit scrutiny reports. Notes:
1.Figures are rounded to the nearest 5.
2. Volumes and costs include severe disablement allowance.
Source:
Figures are taken from IMPACT 100 per cent. counts.
418W
Number of incapacity benefit recipients who failed to attend a medical examination for incapacity benefit Year Number 1999 132,314 2000 124,356 2001 148,357 Notes:
1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 5.
2. The Department only pays SchlumbergerSema for completed cases. The administrative costs associated with failed appointments are not separately available.
Source:
Figures are taken from a 100 per cent. count by SchlumbergerSema Medical Services of Incapacity Benefit (including Severe Disablement Allowance) customers who fail to attend a medical examination appointment.