Written questions by Law.

On what date his Department instructed assessment providers to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new claims over reassessments of existing claimants.

It is well-established government policy to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new benefit claims to determine their capability for work at the earliest possible opportunity. Reassessments occur when there is capacity in the system which has been limited due to an increase in demand for WCAs for new benefit claims. As a result, over recent months, reassessments have not been done in large numbers. We are aware of delays in reassessing cases where the claimant has advised us that their health condition has worsened. We understand that this is a very important issue. This is why we are putting in place a process to expedite the reassessment of these cases. The government has made it clear in the Pathways to Work Green Paper that we will turn on WCA reassessments at scale as we build capacity to do so. We continue to work on options to make the WCA process more efficient and responsive, which includes accelerating healthcare professional recruitment to increase capacity for reassessments

What the evidential basis was for his Department instructing assessment providers to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new claims over reassessments of existing claimants.

It is well-established government policy to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new benefit claims to determine their capability for work at the earliest possible opportunity. Reassessments occur when there is capacity in the system which has been limited due to an increase in demand for WCAs for new benefit claims. As a result, over recent months, reassessments have not been done in large numbers. We are aware of delays in reassessing cases where the claimant has advised us that their health condition has worsened. We understand that this is a very important issue. This is why we are putting in place a process to expedite the reassessment of these cases. The government has made it clear in the Pathways to Work Green Paper that we will turn on WCA reassessments at scale as we build capacity to do so. We continue to work on options to make the WCA process more efficient and responsive, which includes accelerating healthcare professional recruitment to increase capacity for reassessments

How many Work Capability Assessments for new claimants were undertaken in each month since January 2025.

Department for Work and Pensions continues to monitor waiting times for Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) and works closely with assessment suppliers to manage demand and ensure claimants progress through the process as efficiently as possible. The department remains focused on maintaining a timely assessment service, while ensuring that support is directed to those who need it most. The number of WCAs for new claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows. Jan 25Feb 25Mar 25Apr 25May 25Jun 25Jul 25Aug 2558,00054,00060,00053,00052,00052,00054,00041,000 The number of WCAs for existing claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows. Jan 25Feb 25Mar 25Apr 25May 25Jun 25Jul 25Aug 251,9002,1001,7001,2001,4001,9002,1003,000 As of 31 August 2025, approximately 110,000 existing claimants were awaiting WCAs. This total includes all claimants currently within the assessment suppliers’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered. Please note:Volumes have been rounded to the nearest 100 or 1000.All above data is derived from contractual management information produced by the assessment suppliers.The above data is derived from unpublished management information which is collected for internal departmental use only and has not been quality assured to Official Statistics Publication standards.

What guidance his Department has provided to assessment providers on whether Work Capability Assessments for new claims should have priority over claimants who report a change in their circumstances.

It is well-established government policy to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new benefit claims to determine their capability for work at the earliest possible opportunity. Reassessments occur when there is capacity in the system which has been limited due to an increase in demand for WCAs for new benefit claims. As a result, over recent months, reassessments have not been done in large numbers. We are aware of delays in reassessing cases where the claimant has advised us that their health condition has worsened. We understand that this is a very important issue. This is why we are putting in place a process to expedite the reassessment of these cases. The government has made it clear in the Pathways to Work Green Paper that we will turn on WCA reassessments at scale as we build capacity to do so. We continue to work on options to make the WCA process more efficient and responsive, which includes accelerating healthcare professional recruitment to increase capacity for reassessments

How many existing claimants are waiting for Work Capability Assessment reassessments.

Department for Work and Pensions continues to monitor waiting times for Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) and works closely with assessment suppliers to manage demand and ensure claimants progress through the process as efficiently as possible. The department remains focused on maintaining a timely assessment service, while ensuring that support is directed to those who need it most. The number of WCAs for new claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows. Jan 25Feb 25Mar 25Apr 25May 25Jun 25Jul 25Aug 2558,00054,00060,00053,00052,00052,00054,00041,000 The number of WCAs for existing claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows. Jan 25Feb 25Mar 25Apr 25May 25Jun 25Jul 25Aug 251,9002,1001,7001,2001,4001,9002,1003,000 As of 31 August 2025, approximately 110,000 existing claimants were awaiting WCAs. This total includes all claimants currently within the assessment suppliers’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered. Please note:Volumes have been rounded to the nearest 100 or 1000.All above data is derived from contractual management information produced by the assessment suppliers.The above data is derived from unpublished management information which is collected for internal departmental use only and has not been quality assured to Official Statistics Publication standards.

What his planned timeframe is for completing existing claimants’ Work Capability Assessment reassessments.

It is well-established government policy to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new benefit claims to determine their capability for work at the earliest possible opportunity. Reassessments occur when there is capacity in the system which has been limited due to an increase in demand for WCAs for new benefit claims. As a result, over recent months, reassessments have not been done in large numbers. We are aware of delays in reassessing cases where the claimant has advised us that their health condition has worsened. We understand that this is a very important issue. This is why we are putting in place a process to expedite the reassessment of these cases. The government has made it clear in the Pathways to Work Green Paper that we will turn on WCA reassessments at scale as we build capacity to do so. We continue to work on options to make the WCA process more efficient and responsive, which includes accelerating healthcare professional recruitment to increase capacity for reassessments

With reference to his Department's accredited official statistics entitled ESA: Work Capability Assessments, Mandatory Reconsiderations and Appeals: June 2025, published on 12 June 2025, for how long he expects his Department's instruction to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new claims over reassessments of existing claimants to be in place.

It is well-established government policy to prioritise Work Capability Assessments for new benefit claims to determine their capability for work at the earliest possible opportunity. Reassessments occur when there is capacity in the system which has been limited due to an increase in demand for WCAs for new benefit claims. As a result, over recent months, reassessments have not been done in large numbers. We are aware of delays in reassessing cases where the claimant has advised us that their health condition has worsened. We understand that this is a very important issue. This is why we are putting in place a process to expedite the reassessment of these cases. The government has made it clear in the Pathways to Work Green Paper that we will turn on WCA reassessments at scale as we build capacity to do so. We continue to work on options to make the WCA process more efficient and responsive, which includes accelerating healthcare professional recruitment to increase capacity for reassessments

When he last had discussions with customs officials responsible for administering Import Licences under the Open General Impost Licence criteria.

The Open General Import Licence is administered by the Department for Business and Trade. Officials from the Department for Business and Trade maintain regular engagement with HMRC officials to ensure the proper application of the Open General Import Licence regime. These discussions support ongoing efforts to uphold UK trade policy, legal obligations, and compliance with customs procedures.

If he will confirm that the Open General Import License does not permit the importation of illegal Settlement Goods from the Occupied West Bank.

The Open General Import Licence does not prohibit the importation of goods from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

What the total value of UK trade with Israel has been since 4 July 2024.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 4th September is attached.

When he last conducted an assessment of the Open General Import Licence criteria to ensure that the Import Licences do not permit the importation of illegal settlement goods from the Occupied West Bank.

The Government keeps the Open General Import Licence under review to ensure it aligns with UK trade and national security priorities, and our international obligations. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

Whether he has conducted an assessment of the potential impact of the Israeli E1 settlement plan on the requirement under the Open General Impost Licence not to import goods from the illegally Occupied West Bank.

The UK strongly opposes the Israeli government's E1 settlement plans, which would divide a future Palestinian state in two and mark a flagrant breach of international law. The Israeli government must reverse this decision. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in residential buildings on (a) homeowners and (b) tenants.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help support owners of homes impacted by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete which were sold by local authorities.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with mortgage providers to homeowners impacted by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with insurance providers to homeowners impacted by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) local authorities on providing support to help tackle reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in residential buildings.

The issues with RAAC are longstanding and well known. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) estimate the prevalence in housing and the risk of injuries due to RAAC are low relative to other risks in the built environment.All building owners are responsible for managing building safety and performance risks in their buildings. Guidance has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) on managing the risks of RAAC.Ministers and Officials in my department and across Government engage regularly with representatives from the insurance and lending industries on issues affecting these markets, including those related to building safety.Both, building safety and local government finance are devolved. The Scottish Government are receiving at least 20% more per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK. Where remediation or maintenance works are required for RAAC or any other issues, local authorities should do so within existing budgets.Although building safety and local government finance are devolved, I and my officials continue to engage with our Scottish Government counterparts on this and other important building safety and performance issues.

If she will extend Skilled Worker visa eligibility for overseas students in the UK training for Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 3-5 dental qualifications prior to 22 July 2025.

On 12 May, we published our Immigration White Paper, outlining our future approach to legal migration routes. We have now made Immigration Rules changes to bring the first of these reforms into effect. Dental hygienists and dental therapists play a vital role within our dentistry teams and are highly valued members of the workforce, but the SOC code they are part of is recognised as a medium skilled group. Those already in these medium skilled roles, RQF 3 to 5, made using a certificate of sponsorship issued before 22 July, can extend their visas. New applicants must meet the new degree level skills threshold. Those coming to the UK as students should be aware that this does not guarantee them future employment or extensions to their immigration permission. The Graduate route is designed to allow UK graduates time to work, or look for work, for a set period after completing their studies. It does not guarantee progression to the Skilled Worker route, for which an individual would need to find higher skilled, higher salaried employment after graduation and meet the requirements in place at the time they make their Skilled Worker application.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the removal of Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 3-5 dental professionals from the list of Skilled Worker Visa eligible sponsored roles on the UK dental workforce.

On 12 May, we published our Immigration White Paper, outlining our future approach to legal migration routes. We have now made Immigration Rules changes to bring the first of these reforms into effect. Dental hygienists and dental therapists play a vital role within our dentistry teams and are highly valued members of the workforce, but the SOC code they are part of is recognised as a medium skilled group. Those already in these medium skilled roles, RQF 3 to 5, made using a certificate of sponsorship issued before 22 July, can extend their visas. New applicants must meet the new degree level skills threshold. Those coming to the UK as students should be aware that this does not guarantee them future employment or extensions to their immigration permission. The Graduate route is designed to allow UK graduates time to work, or look for work, for a set period after completing their studies. It does not guarantee progression to the Skilled Worker route, for which an individual would need to find higher skilled, higher salaried employment after graduation and meet the requirements in place at the time they make their Skilled Worker application.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the removal of Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 3-5 dental professionals from the list of Skilled Worker Visa eligible sponsored roles on (a) dental professionals working in the UK on Skilled Worker visas and (b) overseas students in the UK training for those qualifications.

On 12 May, we published our Immigration White Paper, outlining our future approach to legal migration routes. We have now made Immigration Rules changes to bring the first of these reforms into effect. Dental hygienists and dental therapists play a vital role within our dentistry teams and are highly valued members of the workforce, but the SOC code they are part of is recognised as a medium skilled group. Those already in these medium skilled roles, RQF 3 to 5, made using a certificate of sponsorship issued before 22 July, can extend their visas. New applicants must meet the new degree level skills threshold. Those coming to the UK as students should be aware that this does not guarantee them future employment or extensions to their immigration permission. The Graduate route is designed to allow UK graduates time to work, or look for work, for a set period after completing their studies. It does not guarantee progression to the Skilled Worker route, for which an individual would need to find higher skilled, higher salaried employment after graduation and meet the requirements in place at the time they make their Skilled Worker application.