The Government wants to create a welfare system that encourages and supports people into work, while providing a vital safety net for those who need it most. As set out in “Transforming Support: The Health and Disability White Paper”, the Government will remove the WCA so that there is only one functional health assessment - the Personal Independence Payment. It is still important, however, to ensure that the WCA is delivering the right outcomes ahead of these future changes.
In September, the Government launched a consultation on the WCA activities and descriptors. Following this consultation, the Government will reform the WCA to ensure that it targets support fairly and effectively. From 2025 onwards, the Government will amend the limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA) Substantial Risk regulations. The Government will specify the circumstances, and conditions, for which LCWRA Substantial Risk should apply. I am assured that the WCA will continue to protect and safeguard the most vulnerable, including people in crisis and those with active psychotic illness.
The Government will also reduce points awarded for the limited capability for work (LCW) Getting About descriptors, to account for new flexibilities in the labour market, but will retain the highest scoring descriptor, to protect claimants with the most significant limitations. Alongside this, the Government will remove the LCWRA Mobilising activity. However, to ensure that those with the most significant mobilising needs are protected, the Government will retain the LCW Mobilising activity and descriptors.
Additionally, in recognition that difficulties with social engagement may represent a significant barrier to engaging with work or work-related activities, the Government will not make any changes to the LCWRA or LCW Social Engagement activity or descriptors. Additionally, no changes will be made to LCWRA or LCW Continence, in recognition that incontinence seriously affects people's dignity and mental wellbeing.
While I appreciate your concerns about these reforms, I note that the WCA’s activities and descriptions have not been comprehensively reviewed for more than a decade.
Under the current system, too many claimants are being assessed through the WCA as not being able to prepare for or engage in work. It is not right that such claimants are effectively being excluded from the opportunity to start, stay and succeed in work.