Tory Budget; Work Capability Assessments Abolished.

The White Paper sets out ambitious and extensive reforms so more disabled people and people with health conditions live the independent and fulfilling lives they deserve.
Landmark reforms to the benefits system will change the emphasis from what people can’t do, to what they can, by legislating to remove the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) so that in future there is only one health and disability assessment – the Personal Independent Payment (PIP) assessment.
This will mean there will be no need to be found to have limited capability for work and limited capability to prepare for work to get additional income-related support for a disability or health condition – reducing the worry claimants currently experience that they will lose their benefits following a reassessment.
We will replace the current Universal Credit Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity (LCWRA) financial top up with a new UC health element. This will be awarded to people who are receiving the UC standard allowance and any PIP element. The award rate of the new UC health element will be set equal to the current award to those people that have LCWRA, ensuring there is a safety net in place for the most vulnerable.
We are investing in employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions. We are stepping up our Work Coach support across the country, with disabled people and those with health conditions now having additional time with a work coach in Jobcentres. We are also extending the Work and Health Programme to September 2024 and rolling-out our new In-Work Progression Offer to help people in work on Universal Credit, including disabled people, to increase their earnings and move into better-paid jobs.