Minister convinced of need for benefit checks

Wed, 30 Jan 2013

Chris Robertshaw

The Social Care Minister says he’s ‘absolutely convinced’ that assessments on people claiming incapacity benefits are needed.

Chris Robertshaw told the House of Keys yesterday that a six month trial with ATOS Healthcare has now concluded with 202 people invited to undergo assessment.

Following assessment 67 people have been found to be able to work. Two appeals have been lodged by claimants - one of these was dismissed, the other is waiting to be determined.

South Douglas MHK Kate Beecroft raised concerns about the appeals process but Mr Robertshaw says it is fair and the assessments will continue in their current form.

He says it’s about focussing on what an individual can do, as opposed to what they can’t:

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