Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of delays in the work capability assessment process for claimants who are living with cancer.

Supporting all claimants, including those living with cancer, remains an absolute priority for the department. We are committed to assessing claimants as quickly as possible in order that they receive the benefits and support they are entitled to in a timely manner.

The Capability for Work questionnaire incorporates a 'light touch' evidence gathering process for people who are having, waiting for or recovering from chemotherapy or radiotherapy. We would expect that most claimants to whom this applies would be assessed using the paper evidence provided by the claimant and/or their treating clinician. However, in cases where the evidence does not support any debilitating effects of treatment, they may need to attend a telephone, video or face to face assessment.