- Committee surveyed 8.5k people for inquiry and
found ‘profound lack of trust in the system’ a consistent
theme
The health assessments system to access vital benefits for those
who cannot work or face extra costs due to disability or
ill-health continues to let down those who rely on it, according
to the Work and Pensions Committee.
In its latest Report, the Committee calls for the implementation
of several measures that would be relatively quick and easy wins
to improve trust, drive down the high rate of decisions reversed
on appeal and reduce waiting times.
It says assessments should be recorded by default, with claimants
having the option to opt-out, adding that footage could be used
to review cases more accurately without having to go to appeal,
and help assessors learn from past mistakes.
Some of the improvements the Committee suggest could drive down
the high rate of decisions reversed on appeal, which still stands
at 69% for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Although the Work
Capability Assessment used for Universal Credit and Employment
and Support Allowance is due to be abolished, it will remain in
place until at least 2026. Meanwhile, PIP assessments will
continue, so retaining the status quo is not an option.
MPs on the Committee also recommended allowing claimants to
choose between remote or in-person assessments, extending the
deadline to return forms, targets to reduce assessment waiting
times, and payments to people who have been forced to wait beyond
the new targets.
The predecessor Committee originally reported on
significant problems in assessments in 2018, but many of the
recommended changes have not been made.
Committee Chair Sir MP said:
“We surveyed eight and a half thousand people as part of our
inquiry and found a profound lack of trust in the system as a
consistent theme.
“Many will welcome abolition of the Work Capability
Assessment. The Government’s process improvements, and
recognition that the system causes undue stress and hardship, are
steps in the right direction.
“However, waiting years for changes won’t cut it when quicker
wins are available: flexibility of choice on assessment by
phone or face-to-face; recording assessments by default;
extending deadlines to reduce stress; and sending claimants their
reports. All this will give much-needed transparency to a process
that so few trust yet affects their lives so fundamentally.
“All efforts must be made for unnecessary limbo and stress
for claimants to be put to an end.”
