Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Health Transformation Programme update

09 July 2020 · Department for Work and Pensions

Proposed by Justin Tomlinson Con North Swindon

Benefits & Welfare

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Department is exploring options to extend current contracts for conducting Work Capability Assessments and PIP health assessments by up to two years until at least July 2023.
  • This extension aims to ensure continuity of services during the pandemic.
  • The updates concern reforming disability and health assessment services under Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Issue summary

The statement discusses updates on the Health Transformation Programme's plans for reforming disability and health assessment services under Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Action requested

Due to the impact of Covid-19, the Department is exploring options to extend current contracts for conducting Work Capability Assessments and PIP health assessments by up to two years until at least July 2023. This will ensure continuity of services during the pandemic.

Key facts

  • The original plan was to launch a procurement exercise on 1 August 2021.
  • Current contracts for conducting WCAs and PIP health assessments end on 31 July 2021.
  • Extension period will provide time to evaluate impacts of Covid-19 on services.
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