To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of those in receipt of incapacity benefit who will continue to qualify for the benefit as a result of physical or mental disability following the implementation of the proposed changes to eligibility criteria. (270004)

[holding answer 22 April 2009]: The White Paper, “Raising expectations and increasing support”, stated that existing incapacity benefits recipients will be migrated to employment and support allowance from 2010. This will involve having the work capability assessment rather than the personal capability assessment which is a more accurate and up to date assessment of limited capability for work than its predecessor. It therefore provides a more appropriate means to ensure that individuals are receiving the correct benefit.

We are monitoring the early stages of implementation of employment and support allowance and this will inform our estimates of the likely impact of the work capability assessment on existing incapacity benefits recipients.

The White Paper also announced changes to the contribution conditions to modernise the link between work and access to contributory working age benefits including employment and support allowance. These changes apply to new claimants only.