Review finds incapacity assessments were 'oversimplified'

Controversial assessments carried out on benefit claimants were 'oversimplified' and 'lacked compassion'. 

That's the finding of an independent inquiry tasked with overseeing the Personal Capability Assessment process. 

Healthcare professional John Lancaster carried out the review after Dependability Limited's contract to conduct the assessments was ended in July last year. 

The report found many people believed they'd been treated with a 'lack of respect' - however it also conceded that the concept of employment as a 'positive aspiration' was not universally recognised. 

In addition a number of claimants were said to be favourable to remaining on benefits despite working being 'a real possibility for them'. 

The report states Treasury's overarching objective should be to ensure the process is 'fair and transparent' and delivered in future under an 'occupational health style model'. 

You can find a link to the full report here.