Oral Answers to Questions

Ann Coffey Excerpts

Monday 28th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Maria Miller]

As my hon. Friend will know, Work Choice was launched in October last year, and concentrates on both pre-employment and on-the-job support. We will support about 13,000 people a year through Work Choice—people who experience the most difficulties in obtaining employment—and I am sure that it will prove to be an important part of the Government’s programme.

[Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab)]

Over the coming months, more than 11,000 people in Stockport will be required to attend a local centre run by Atos Healthcare for reassessment of their incapacity benefit. Disability Stockport is worried about the fact that the centre in Deanery Way does not provide easy access for disabled people on foot, and cars cannot park nearby. Atos has not consulted local disability groups about the choice of site. Will the Minister ask Atos to consult them, in order to ensure that the centre is fully accessible for disabled people before the assessment process begins?

[Maria Miller]

It is vital for such assessment centres to be fully accessible. I should be delighted to take up the point and report back to the hon. Lady.