Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of work capability assessment decisions overturned in Redcar in each of the last five years where figures are available; and what steps he is taking to improve the accuracy of benefit entitlement awards.

This information is not readily available at constituency level and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The Department is continually working to improve the accuracy of benefit entitlement awards. This includes working with Assessment Providers to ensure claimants receive high quality assessments and improving the way further evidence is collected to ensure all relevant information about an individual’s needs is available to decision makers at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, the recruitment of approximately 150 Presenting Officers provides valuable insight into why decisions are overturned on appeal and is helping us identify improvements throughout the claimant journey.