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<p>In response to (a)(i), information on the number of claimants who have met the
severe conditions criteria for Employment and Support Allowance is published and can
be found in tables 5a and 5b in the file which can be found at the following link:</p><p><a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/esa-outcomes-of-work-capability-assessments-including-mandatory-reconsiderations-and-appeals-december-2018"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/esa-outcomes-of-work-capability-assessments-including-mandatory-reconsiderations-and-appeals-december-2018</a></p><p>
</p><p>With regard to (a)(ii), the information requested is not readily available
and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.</p><p> </p><p>In response to
(b), the Honourable lady might be interested to know that we have worked with healthcare
professionals and other stakeholders to develop a set of criteria to switch off re-assessments
for people with the most severe health conditions or disabilities (unless there is
a change of circumstances). From 29 September 2017 those placed in ESA’s Support Group
and the UC equivalent who have the most severe and lifelong health conditions or disabilities,
whose level of function would always mean that they would have Limited Capability
for Work and Work-Related Activity, and be unlikely ever to be able to move into work,
will no longer be routinely reassessed.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to question (c)
to clarify, all ESA50 questionnaires completed and returned by claimants are reviewed
by a Healthcare Professional. Their advice to the decision maker including advice
on the review period will be based on all of the evidence they have considered.</p>
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