Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Access to Work scheme applications are outstanding (a) nationally and (b) by regional.

The information requested about Access to Work applications that are outstanding by region is not readily available as it is a national service and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

As of 7^th October 2024, there were around 55,500 applications outstanding nationally. The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to reducing waiting times for new applications for Access to Work, as well as renewals. We are considering the best way to deliver that for customers. We have increased the number of staff processing Access to Work claims and have prioritised applications from customers who are about to start a job, and renewals.

Please note:

• The data supplied is derived from unpublished management information, which was collected for internal Departmental use only, and have not been quality assured to National Statistics or Official Statistics publication standard. They should therefore be treated with caution.
• Applications includes new claims, renewals and change of circumstances.