Access to Work Programme
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether guidance has been issued to officials in her Department to reduce support levels under the Access to Work scheme.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
No.
In the past, some restrictions in the guidance have not always been implemented. The guidance is now being more consistently applied. For the last year, work has been underway to improve Scheme decision-making by applying the guidance with greater consistency, to provide a fairer process. This may mean that some awards change at the point of renewal, but there has been no change in Scheme policy, or instruction to reduce support levels.
The support that a customer will receive from Access to Work is dependent upon their needs and circumstances at the time they make an application. Case managers will use the current guidance to ensure Access to Work principles are considered when making a decision on support.
No changes have been made to Access to Work policy. We will be reviewing all aspects of the Scheme now that the consultation has closed. Any changes will be announced before being implemented. Any updates to operational guidance are reflected through the published version available online at GOV.UK.
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