Tougher tests ‘to cut incapacity claimant numbers’

The government has signalled its intention to intensify the assessment of incapacity benefit and encourage those who are fit for work back into employment.

George Osborne said it was important to protect those with “genuine needs”, while cutting the welfare bill in order to reduce the budget deficit.
 

It’s untenable to have a normal retirement age in public-sector schemes that is significantly different from the state retirement age

Brian Bailey, Director of pensions, West Midlands Pension Fund and member of High Pay Commission