Work Capability Assessments People with Parkinson’s Disease 2023-11-13
2023-11-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Proposed reforms to work capability assessments may affect individuals with Parkinson's disease, raising concerns about financial and mental wellbeing.
Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed reforms to work capability assessments on the (a) financial and (b) mental wellbeing of people with Parkinson's disease.
The Department has developed estimates of the number of claimants impacted by options considered in the work capability assessment consultation. Estimates are not based on specific conditions, because the work capability assessment is based on how a person's condition affects them, not the condition itself.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impact on Parkinson's disease patients was not addressed
Estimates Are Not Based On Specific Conditions
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Proposed changes to the work capability assessment may force half a million people into unsuitable work, risking sanctions. Changes in continence, mobility, and social engagement are putting Parkinson's sufferers at risk of denied benefits.
The proposed changes to the work capability assessment could actually see half a million people forced to look for work they are not cut out for and then at risk of sanctions. The proposed changes on continence, mobility and social engagement are putting thousands of Parkinson's sufferers at risk of being denied the benefits they need, causing needless stress and financial pressures. Will the Secretary of State meet me and Parkinson's UK to discuss the impacts on those suffering from Parkinson's? Hopefully the Government will then change their mind on these cruel proposals.
What I can say to the hon. Gentleman is that no decisions have been made. It is right and proper that the consultation responses are properly considered in the normal way. I would be happy to meet with Parkinson's UK again; I met it previously, and it is an important stakeholder for the Department. We do think it is right that we look at the work capability assessment and review it periodically, not least because of the changes we have seen in homeworking and flexible working in recent years.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impacts and cruel proposals were not addressed directly
No Decisions Have Been Made
Consultation Responses Are Properly Considered
Response accuracy