Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure that the backlog for work capability assessments in Plymouth and Devon is reduced.

We announced last summer that we are procuring a new provider to deliver Work Capability Assessments. The priority for the new provider will be to deliver the best service possible for claimants, increase the volume of assessments carried out and reduce waiting times.

In the meantime, we have been working closely with Atos to improve their performance and reduce waiting times; putting in place a remedial adviser team to work with them to find further ways of meeting or exceeding performance as well as making changes to better manage the flow of work between Atos and the Department.

These measures are taking effect and the volume of outstanding cases is now reducing.