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<p>Official statistics for ESA processing times are not readily available and to provide
the information requested would incur disproportionate cost.</p><p> </p><p>The total
number of people whose Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) functional assessment
has not yet been completed in the Highland Local Authority area is 1,700; of these
1,400 relate to new ESA claims.</p><p> </p><p>We have taken robust action to improve
the process and are in daily contact with Atos. We are committed to putting this right.</p><p>
</p><p>Atos Healthcare will continue to deliver Work Capability Assessments until
they exit from the contract on 28 February 2015. The new supplier, MAXIMUS Health
and Human Services, will be responsible for all service delivery from 1 March 2015
including any outstanding work carried over from Atos. The priority for MAXIMUS will
be to transition the service smoothly from Atos and stabilise the service to deliver
the best service possible for claimants, increase the volume of assessments carried
out and reduce waiting times without compromising quality.</p><p> </p><p>The process
for claimants will remain the same during the transition so they should continue to
attend their assessments.</p>
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