Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 10 November 2014 to Question 213576, how many cases are still being dealt by Atos; and what assessment he has made of the effect this will have on waiting times.

As at 30 September 2014 there were around 580,000 cases awaiting Work Capability Assessments at Atos Healthcare (down by 25% since February). These figures do not include cases where the claimant has yet to return the claimant questionnaire.

From 1 March, MAXIMUS Health and Human Services Ltd. will take over delivery, initially using elements of the Atos infrastructure in order to ensure a smooth and gradual transition between providers. The priority for MAXIMUS will be to deliver the best service possible for claimants, increase the volume of assessments carried out and reduce waiting times.

We are committed to reducing waiting times which is why this Government has awarded the new contract to Maximus.