Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Deferred
Clarify government intentions for disabled people's conditionality regime, including appeal rights.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government clarify its intentions for the conditionality regime for disabled people. In particular, it should spell out what requirements beyond support conversations a disabled person might have to meet. Furthermore, if the nature of a person’s conditionality regime is to be left to the discretion of work coaches, the Government needs to make clear on what basis they will be making their decisions and what right of appeal a claimant will have. Conditionality for disabled people must not become dependent on the whims of work coaches. (Recommendation, Paragraph 156) 69
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the need for further clarity on the conditionality regime for disabled people, including requirements and work coach discretion, and stated they are considering consultation responses and will share detailed proposals in due course.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
In the Pathways to Work Green Paper, the Department set out its intention to guarantee personalised employment support to anyone claiming out of work benefits with a health condition or disability who wants to work but is currently outside the labour market. Currently, a large number of these claimants are placed in a conditionality regime where they are not routinely engaged or offered any support following the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). This requires careful consideration and a range of external input. We recognise that many disabilities and health conditions are complex and fluctuate, meaning that the support an individual may require—and their ability to engage with it—can change over time. In the Green Paper, we consulted on our approach to conditionality, and we set out that we think it is reasonable to expect most people, as a minimum, to engage in periodic conversations with us about their aspirations to work and to hear about the support available to them. We are carefully considering responses to these questions alongside other evidence and the Committee’s recommendation. We recognise the need to provide further detail and clarity on how any potential conditionality regimes, and their applicable requirements, for disabled people and those with health conditions will operate and will share detail of our proposals in due course.