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The Lib Dem party conference in September is to make a call for the work capability assessment (WCA) –​ the medical test for employment and support allowance (ESA) –​ to be made fairer. It is hoped that strong support for the motion will increase the chance of peers winning concessions from the government when the current welfare reform bill is debated in the lords.

The motion before the conference calls for:

Clearer Assessment criteria and descriptors, to make it more apparent under what circumstances ESA is paid.

Ensuring greater accuracy in Assessment, particularly for those with fluctuating conditions.

A less stressful Assessment process.

People with disabilities getting the support they need.

Opposition to an arbitrary time limit on how long claimants can claim contributory ESA.

All ESA claimants going to appeal to be given access to adequate representation.

The agenda for the LibDem conference can be downloaded from this link

Thanks to Bill for highlighting this story