CAB - ESA review will bring "welcome security" to those living with long term health problems

4 Oct 2016 10:46 AM

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Damian Green, has announced that people with long-term health problems claiming Employment and Support Allowance benefit (ESA) will no longer face repeated medical assessments.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Disabled people and those with a long term health condition need a welfare system that gives them security.

“For people with long term health problems with no prospect of a change in their condition  repeated medical assessments can be hugely stressful. They remain constantly unsure if they will have enough money to get by on.

“It is very welcome that the Secretary of State is looking at ways to reform ESA and we hope this review includes all disability benefits - to make sure people are fully supported.”

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.
  5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends.
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.