Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what information his Department holds on the number of assessors employed by contractors to carry out (a) Personal Independence Payment and (b) work capability assessments in the latest period for which data is available.

As of 31 July 2023, the number of health professionals (HPs) employed by Capita and Independent Assessment Services to carry out Personal Independence Payment assessments was 3,900.

The number of HPs employed by Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA) was 1,400. HPs employed by CHDA undertake assessments across both Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Incapacity Benefits Reassessments, as well as some smaller non-Work Capability Assessment benefits.

The above figures also include clinical support leads, who may also complete assessments from time to time.

Please note: -

Volumes have been rounded to the nearest 100.

All the above data is derived from contractual management information produced by the assessment providers.

The above data is derived from unpublished management information, which is collected for internal departmental use only, and has not been quality assured to Official Statistics Publication standards.