Asked by: Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat - Cambridge)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2014, Official Report, column 526, whether he has considered making changes to the level of employment and support allowance; how many recipients of that allowance are disabled; and how many recipients of that allowance are doing permitted work.
Answered by Lord Harper
We are committed to ensuring that the support system offers those who want to work with the right opportunities to reach their potential, whilst continuing to provide appropriate financial support for those who are unable to work.
The information requested on the number of Employment and Support Allowance recipients, who are disabled or doing permitted work, is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Asked by: Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat - Cambridge)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many cases are still being dealt with by Atos; and what transitional arrangements are in place to deal with cases previously dealt with by Atos.
Answered by Lord Harper
Atos will continue to undertake all health and disability assessments including the Work Capability Assessments until 28 February 2015 when MAXIMUS Health and Human Services Ltd. will take over the contract. The Department will work closely with MAXIMUS and Atos during the transitional period to ensure a smooth and effective handover of services. The process for claimants will remain the same during transition so claimants should continue to attend their assessments.
Asked by: Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat - Cambridge)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) men and (b) women aged 65 (i) receive and (ii) do not receive additional state pension after a contracted-out deduction is applied.
Answered by Steve Webb
The number of men aged 65 who receive additional State Pension after a contracted-out deduction is applied, as at September 2013, is 194,900.
The number of women aged 65 who receive additional State Pension after a contracted-out deduction is applied, as at September 2013, is 158,200.
The number of men aged 65 who do not receive additional State Pension after a contracted-out deduction is applied, as at September 2013, is 37,700.
The number of women aged 65 who do not receive additional State Pension after a contracted-out deduction is applied, as at September 2013, is 8,800.
The answer covers additional State Pension and the CoD from 1978-97 only, which is the period for which contracted out deductions applied.
Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Information, Exploitation and Security Directorate, 5% sample.
Notes:
Asked by: Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat - Cambridge)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has to equalise guaranteed minimum pensions.
Answered by Steve Webb
The Government is working with the industry to support schemes in their obligation to ensure that equal pension benefits are paid to men and women, taking into account the effect of the guaranteed minimum pension.
Asked by: Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat - Cambridge)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many men aged 65 receive additional state pension after a contracted-out deduction is applied.
Answered by Steve Webb
The number of men aged 65 who receive additional State Pension after a contracted-out deduction is applied, as at September 2013, is 194,900.
Contracted out deductions are applied to additional State Pension where people were contracted out between 1978 and 1997.
Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Information, Governance and Security Directorate, 5% sample
Notes:
1. The figure has been rounded to the nearest 100.
2. The 5% sample data provides some detail not available from the 100% data sources. DWP recommends that, where the detail is only available on the 5% sample data, the proportions derived should be applied to the overall 100% total for the benefit. Figures have been adjusted in line with 100% data.