Government announces fit-to-work test review

The Treasury is carrying out a review of the controversial fit-to-work benefits assessments.

Social Security claimants who've had a Personal Capability Assessment are being asked for their views as part of the independent review.

The government says the investigation will be led by UK healthcare consultant John Lancaster.

In July, the government announced it had scrapped a contract with Dependability Ltd, which had been carrying out the assessments.

The Treasury says suspending the assessments gives it the opportunity to conduct a review of the system to see if it can be improved.

No assessments have taken place since summer, when it emerged some had been carried out by Dependability staff who weren't qualified.

Now, Treasury will write to a random selection of claimants and gather their opinions via questionnaires, telephone interviews and discussion groups.

Bill Henderson MLC, the Treasury Member with responsibility for Social Security, says he also hopes to hear from medics, support services, charities and Tynwald members.