Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Work Capability Assessments: People with Parkinson’s Disease

Monday 13 November 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department has developed estimates of the number of claimants impacted by options considered in the work capability assessment consultation.
  • No decisions have been made regarding the proposed changes to the work capability assessment.
  • The Department is willing to meet with Parkinson's UK to discuss the matter further.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alan Brown SNP
Benefits & Welfare Mental Health
Context

Proposed reforms to work capability assessments may affect individuals with Parkinson's disease, raising concerns about financial and mental wellbeing.

Question

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.

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact on Parkinson's disease patients was not addressed

How: Estimates Are Not Based On Specific Conditions

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Q2 Alan Brown SNP
Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impacts and cruel proposals were not addressed directly

How: No Decisions Have Been Made, Consultation Responses Are Properly Considered

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