Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what accountability mechanisms are available to disabled people for Access to Work decisions.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)

Customers who do not agree with the decision made on their Access to Work application are able to ask for a reconsideration of the decision. Information about how to do this is provided to every customer on their award letter.

In addition, customers who are dissatisfied with the service they have received may make a complaint through the Department's formal complaints process.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what safeguards are in place to ensure disabled workers do not lose workplace support from Access to Work at renewal without change in (a) need and (b) circumstances.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)

Access to Work renewal decisions are made on the basis of an individual's current needs and circumstances that can change. Customers receiving support can apply to renew their grant before it ends, and their support requirements are reviewed as part of that process.

Access to Work staff receive appropriate training and must complete comprehensive checks and assurance processes before taking responsibility for a caseload. Staff apply departmental guidance when considering renewals, and quality assurance measures are in place to ensure decisions are made consistently and in line with policy. Renewals are assessed on the evidence available to ensure customers continue to receive appropriate support where eligibility and need remain.

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