Debbie Abrahams, chair of the commons work and pensions committee (WPC), has this week written to the secretary of state for work and pensions, Pat McFadden, demanding to know how the final decision on the Timms review will be made and whether the work capability assessment (WCA) is still going to be abolished.
Mcfadden appeared before the WPC last month and as we noted at the time, refused to rule-out PIP cuts or rule-in abolition of the WCA.
Now, Abrahams has written to McFadden pointing out that, at their meeting, he had said that the final decision on the Timms review “would have to be the Government’s, since it was only the Government that had to consider policy and expenditure in the round”.
The committee now want a written answer explaining:
“What is the process by which final decisions will be made concerning the Timms Review, and who will be involved in this?
“What conversations are being had as part of the Timms Review with those nations where disability benefits are devolved?”
In relation to the WCA, the committee noted that McFadden had said he would communicate with the committee to provide as much clarity as possible about the future of the WCA. The committee has asked McFadden:
“We understand the WCA will be continuing until 2029-30. When can we expect to hear whether the WCA will continue beyond this date? Is it still your intention to abolish the Work Capability Assessment? If so, what is the timetable for this?”
In addition, the committee raised the issue of the harm likely to be done to claimants by the reduction in the UC health element for new claims from next April, citing a report highlighted last month by Benefits and Work. The committee has asked the DWP to set out what safeguarding measures it will be taking to mitigate these harms.
Abrahams has asked for a response by 7 January but, on past performance, it will be some weeks after this before a reply is received.
You can download the full letter in .pdf format from this link.
