The Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Department of Work and Pensions
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London SW1H 9NA

8 October 2010

Dear Iain,

Welfare reform and support for people with disabilities

I want to raise some concerns I have over welfare reform, with particular reference to disability benefits and how they are assessed.

I understand that Atos Healthcare is employed by DWP to assess benefit applicants on their ability to work. However, I do not think it is appropriate that a private company be employed to carry out this role when presumably the primary focus will be on generating a profit rather than fully supporting disabled people under the new welfare arrangements.

In the forthcoming White Paper on welfare reform, I urge you to clarify:

• The criteria that will be used to assess "fitness for work";
• How disabled people will be supported in work, where work is appropriate, and what provisions will be put in place to ensure fair competition for disabled people in the market;
• How the voluntary sector will be involved in service provision, and whether this will replace public services.

As the government spending review approaches I would also call on you to guarantee that key welfare services and support be maintained, and that disabled people do not bear a disproportionate share of the burden of public spending cuts.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion

 Read the Department's reply (in two parts: 1 2 )