Government claims progress is being made amid heated debate over welfare reform
Eight out of ten people tested for new incapacity benefits are in fact fit for work, according to official figures published this week.
However, there are still 2.6 million people claiming handouts, nearly a million of whom have been on them for more than a decade.
Around 1.5 million people who have been claiming Incapacity Benefit are being reassessed for its replacement – the Employment Support Allowance – to see if they are able to carry out work.
Figures from the Department for Work & Pensions show that under the new system more than half (57%) of benefit claimants were no longer eligible for the handouts. Just one fifth of claimants – 22% – were found unable to do any form of employment.
A further 21% could carry out some sort of work with the right support.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said the figures showed that Government-led reforms are “changing the landscape of our country”.
He said: “By concentrating on what people can do, we will help people back into work and out of the trap of benefits that has blighted communities.”
However, critics said the new testing regime is flawed.
Earlier this week, bishops in the House of Lords were among opponents to the Government’s proposed introduction of a £26,000 benefits cap.
Opponents of the cap, which would prohibit individuals from being given more than the equivalent of £35,000 before tax in benefits such as incapacity benefit and child benefit, said the move would lead to a rise in homelessness and child poverty.
Source: HIMAG 25/01/12
