Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Burghart and Penny Mordaunt

Monday 9th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Penny Mordaunt]

The hon. Lady makes a very good point; indeed, we are looking at precisely that. There are lots of pots of money out there—PIP and Access to Work, which she mentioned, are just two—but very little reference between them. We have been working on that and we hope to make some announcements shortly.

[Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Ongar) (Con)]

12. What progress is being made on the Health and Work programme.

[The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work (Penny Mordaunt)]

I am pleased to announce to the House that six contracts between the Department and the successful suppliers to the Health and Work Programme were signed on 29 September.

[Alex Burghart]

It is clear that the Health and Work programme presents an opportunity to bring a lot more disabled people into work. Will the Minister tell the House what requirements are being put on contract providers?

[Penny Mordaunt]

The key to the programme is that participants will receive much more personalised and tailored support. We need to provide bespoke things to individuals who have complex needs if we want them to be successful. We will be looking for providers to forge links with employers, nationally and locally, but also with health and social care and other local services.