Dennis Skinner - P.M. Questions

[Old Cruser]

No, I was being sarcastic Pete.

It is being said though that as labour set the ball rolling it's their fault, I was under the impresion the Descriptors have been done by this Gov.
Will check it out Pete

Having said that, the current Gov are very good at changing other things and very often underhanded - so why couldn't they have changed this???
At risk of repeating myself they have been told many many times over this year by different organistaions/charities that it is not fit for purpose - but have chosen to ignore them.

[Old Cruser]

Not sure if I am reading this right but the W/R/A was brought in in 2007 according to the first link

It was however the current Gov who set out the descriptors (second link) which ATOS are supposedly following


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare_Reform_Act_2007


http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt201012/jtselect/jtrights/233/23305.htm

I have been sent this information below.


ESA was first introduced by the Bliar government in 2008, using input in developing the descriptors from different sources such as ATOS, and UNUM a disreputable US insurance company.

The descriptors are actually part of the ESA Regs and Legislation set out in law, they are not a separate entity.

ATOS developed the computer software used (LiMA) to carry out the assessments.

In March 2011 the original 2008 descriptors were changed to include the "imaginary wheelchair" rather than just a walking test. This was obviously done by our current coalition government who also decided to push ahead with the programme to migrate all IB, IS and SDA claimants over to ESA (March 2011 To April 2014)

The descriptors were changed again on 28/01/13, by the present coalition.

[Pete]

Thanks Pam

[Fly]

Seems it's Labours fault as they originally set ATOS on.

Labour started the HS2 plans. Doesn't mean they would have gone ahead with it when they realised just how much it was going to cost. Yes I know you were kidding OC.
My point is that if labour had set ATOS on, I don't think they would have wanted them to be so aggressive and heartless.