Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reasons she has not added Dupuytren's Contracture to the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit list of conditions.

The Department currently spends £900m a year supporting disabled people and those with health conditions through Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

The Department carefully considered the recommendation from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council but decided not to add Dupuytren’s contracture to the list of prescribed diseases, in order to continue to help as many people as possible, and ensure that we’re focussing support to those with the greatest needs.

People with Dupuytren’s contracture who are already in receipt of IIDB for other health conditions or disabilities will continue to receive their payments at the same rate. If a person with Dupuytren’s contracture is not eligible for IIDB they may still be eligible for support through other benefits such as Personal Independence Payment or Employment and Support Allowance.