The much debated WCA test under which the government reassess the medical condition of 2.62 million incapacity benefit claimants. Has come under attack.
Again!
A coalition of over 30 charities including the Papworth Trust, Mind and the Multiple Sclerosis Society claim that they have been
“overwhelmed by evidence showing the assessments are inaccurate and unjust”.
These charities said that of the 166,000 people that have so far been found fit for work, approximately a third have gone on to appeal.
Government sources have admitted that there have been issues with the new assessment, saying that ministers had modified it in order “to better recognise people suffering from cancer and mental health conditions”.
The consortium of charities has also expressed concern over the changes introduced in the emergency budget tying housing benefit to jobseekers allowance. They said “it is concerning that an assessment which we do not believe has demonstrated its ability to place people correctly on to employment and support allowance may become the basis of eligibility for a far wider range of benefits”.
Source: The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/sep/06/benefit-health-tests-unjust-charities?&CMP=EMCSOCEML657
