Ulster Unionist Social Development spokesperson Michael Copeland MLA has urged the public to participate in the consultation process relating to the operation of the Work Capability Assessment in Northern Ireland.
East Belfast MLA Mr Copeland said:
“Those claiming employment and support allowance, formerly known as incapacity benefit, are having their status reviewed. The aim of this Consultation is to help the Social Security Agency “to work to improve the experience for their customers” and the closing date is Friday 14th September 2012.
It is essential that those affected take the opportunity to advise the Minister Nelson McCausland of their experience of the Work Capability Assessment.
I know from many people coming to my Constituency Office that there are many people whose experience of this has been a far from happy one, and I would urge those people to contact the Department for Social Development or my office and I will pass on their experiences.
The document is available at: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/consultations-call-for-evidence.htm and responses should be sent to:
Email: wca.review@nissa.gsi.gov.uk
Post: Harrington Review, Room 304, Castle Court, Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1DD.
I can be contacted via my constituency office 02890463900 or michaelcopeland@castlereagh.gov.uk .“
ENDS