Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the procurement for a new provider to deliver the work capability assessment requires the design of that scheme to be revised or reformed.

The initial priority for MAXIMUS Health and Human Services Ltd will be to transition the service smoothly from the current provider, Atos Healthcare, and stabilise the service for claimants, increase the volume of assessments carried out and reduce waiting times without compromising quality.

We will work closely with MAXIMUS to enhance claimants’ experience of the service. Any lessons learned or innovations that can improve services while delivering the best results possible for claimants may lead to changes in processes.