Following the story last month that Ian Duncan Smith was considering scrapping the work-related activity group, Esther McVey has claimed that "There are no plans to abolish the work-related activity group this Parliament.", making it appear entirely possible that such a plan does exist for implementation after the next election.
Stephen Timms asked, on 3rd December 2013, what plans the Secretary of State has for the work-related activity group in employment and support allowance; and if he will make a statement; to which Esther McVey responded:
“There are no plans to abolish the work-related activity group this Parliament. The Government is committed to ensuring ESA works as well as possible, giving support to those who need it and helping those who are able to move into work. We've already made considerable improvements, such as to the work capability assessment following independent reviews. However, as is only right, we keep the policy under constant review to make sure it is operating as well as possible."
You can read the Hansard record here.
Thanks to Gareth for spotting this.
