Work Capability Assessments People with Neurological Conditions 2023-11-13
2023-11-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of current assessment methods for individuals with fluctuating health conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The hon. Gentleman is a trustee of an epilepsy charity, indicating personal involvement in addressing such issues.
What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of work capability assessments for people with neurological conditions? My entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests has not been published yet, but I am a trustee of an epilepsy charity. For people with neurological conditions, particularly multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, the condition is not uniform; one week they might be affected in one way, and the next week differently. The capability assessments have to match this variability so that they meet people's capabilities as they are.
The work capability assessor training includes neurological conditions, but we are working with stakeholders to improve the assessment of fluctuating conditions. We aim to take better account of these conditions early in the claim journey.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifics on the consultation outcome and concrete steps beyond conversations
Not In A Position To Set Out
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Gentleman's concerns stem from his experience as a trustee of an epilepsy charity and the impact fluctuating health conditions have on individuals' ability to undergo consistent assessments.
My entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests has not been published yet, but I am a trustee of an epilepsy charity. For people with neurological conditions, particularly multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, their condition is unpredictable; one week they might be affected differently than another. The work capability assessments need to adapt to these changes. With the published consultation on reforming the assessments causing concern among those affected, what more can be done to make this process holistic and responsive?
We are spending a lot of time working with stakeholders to develop reforms that take better account of fluctuating health conditions. We aim to provide high-quality evidence early in the claim journey and are willing to have conversations about this.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifics on reform outcomes beyond willingness to converse
Not In A Position To Set Out
Response accuracy