Welfare Reform Bill

The point that we need to look at is on the personal capability assessment descriptors that are very detailed and which the staff are trained to apply. We need to be clear that in the past a particular diagnosis was used as a method of entitlement, whereas here we are talking about functional limitations as defined by the descriptors in the PCA test. The health professionals are trained to use those tests in a fair and consistent way. They are audited to ensure that they are applying their skills professionally and up to the standards required by the Secretary of State and monitored by the DWP’s medical adviser. The noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale, asked whether healthcare professionals carrying out the PCA receive training in assessing mental health. I think I have already mentioned that—the answer is, yes. All healthcare professionals carrying out assessments are trained in the skills they need, including assessment in mental health problems. For ESA, the revised PCA mental function assessment is much more comprehensive than the current assessment, and we will provide training to all healthcare professionals in applying that revised test. We will consult organisations with a specialist interest in mental health when the training is being developed. We particularly recognise the value that such organisations can bring to developing this training. However, there is no need to be an expert in mental health to assess functional capabilities. We will be piloting the work-focused health-related assessment and will evaluate whether it will be more effective using the same healthcare professional or a different one, which is an important point. I hope that I have picked up all the questions. If I have not, I will follow them up. The amendment makes provision in legislation for the training of healthcare professionals, but that would not improve or enhance the system already in place. Instead, the amendment would limit our flexibility to respond as necessary to situations calling for change to the current processes. I therefore urge that the amendment be withdrawn.