The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has appointed Dr Paul Litchfield to carry out the fifth Independent Review of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).{jcomments on}
As part of the process, a consultation has been launched inviting individuals and organisations to give their views.
As this the final statutory Independent Review of the WCA, it may be the final opportunity for those affected to make suggestions about potential improvements.
This call for evidence will be one of several methods used to gather information during the review.
The evidence submitted will be used to inform Dr Litchfield’s report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
The completed report will be laid before Parliament before the end of 2014.
On the .Gov website, it is clearly pointed out that: “..the Secretary of State is not required to accept any or all of the recommendations, and any recommendations may be subject to further assessment by DWP.”
Many may feel that the consultation exercise will have little impact on any changes to the WCA, as previous recommendations have made little difference to the personal experiences of claimants.
The call for evidence begins on 10 June 2014 and runs until 15 August 2014.
Responses need to be with the team by midnight 15 August and there are various methods of responding:
The online form is the preferred method, but if you are unable to use the online form, you can use one of the following methods:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or post:
WCA Independent Review Team,
3rd Floor,
Caxton House,
Tothill Street,
London
SW1H 9NA
You can read about the call for evidence on the .Gov site here
