DWP Consultation Proposed Changes to Support Group

DWP Consultation Proposed Changes to Support Group.The UK government has initiated a consultation process aimed at making significant alterations to the work capability assessment (WCA) for individuals claiming Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) or those in the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) support group. Benefits and Work, an advocacy group, is urging claimants to participate in this consultation, which will remain open until October 30th.

Proposed Changes Detailed in ‘Work Capability Assessment: Activities and Descriptors Consultation’

The proposed changes are detailed in a document titled ‘Work Capability Assessment: Activities and Descriptors Consultation.’ Implementing these changes would necessitate amendments to primary legislation, expected in 2024, and modifications to assessment providers’ IT systems. Consequently, the revised WCA would not be implemented until 2025. Upon its introduction, these changes would affect both new claimants and existing Universal Credit (UC) and ESA claimants during their award reviews.

Key Proposed Changes to WCA Activities

The consultation primarily focuses on four current WCA activities and the crucial ‘substantial risk’ rule. Here are the proposed changes under each activity:

1. Mobilising

• Remove the Mobilising activity entirely (for both LCW and LCWRA).
• Amend the LCWRA Mobilising descriptor to match the equivalent descriptor in PIP (replace 50 meters with 20 meters for both descriptors within the LCWRA activity).
• Reduce the points awarded for the LCW Mobilising descriptors.

2. Absence or Loss of Bowel/Bladder Control (Continence)

• Remove the Absence or Loss of Bowel/Bladder Control (Continence) activity entirely (for both LCW and LCWRA).
• Amend the LCWRA Absence or Loss of Bowel/Bladder Control (Continence) descriptor so that claimants must experience symptoms ‘daily’ rather than ‘weekly.’
• Reduce the points awarded for the LCW Absence or Loss of Bowel/Bladder Control (Continence) descriptors.

3. Coping with Social Engagement due to Cognitive Impairment or Mental Disorder

• Remove the Coping with Social Engagement activity entirely (for both LCW and LCWRA).
• Reduce the points awarded for LCW descriptors related to Coping with Social Engagement.

4. Getting About

• Remove the Getting About activity entirely.
• Reduce the points awarded for LCW descriptors related to Getting About.

Substantial Risk

The substantial risk rule, crucial for individuals with severe mental health conditions, is under consideration:

• Remove the rule entirely, potentially placing individuals at risk into the LCW group.
• Modify the rule to not apply when a person can engage in tailored or minimal work preparation activity and/or when reasonable adjustments can facilitate their engagement in work preparation.

Cost-Cutting Motives

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contends that these changes align with evolving work trends, including increased opportunities for remote work. Their rationale is that by keeping claimants in the LCWRA group, where work preparation isn’t required, individuals can manage their health conditions at home while earning a living. However, this approach raises concerns about reduced financial support and the threat of sanctions for those in the LCWRA group.

Labor Party Role

Many speculate that these changes may not come to fruition, as the Labor Party may assume power before their implementation. However, questions linger regarding the Labor Party’s commitment to supporting sick and disabled claimants, especially if the Conservative Party includes savings from these changes in their spending plans.

Participate in the Consultation

While some may doubt the impact of participating in the consultation, it remains crucial to demonstrate opposition to measures that could endanger claimants’ lives. A strong response can dissuade the DWP from pursuing the most extreme options outlined in the consultation.