Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has launched a Call for Evidence into the Access to Work scheme.
The inquiry follows the publication of the National Audit Office report in 2026 examining operational challenges within the scheme, and will involve senior officials from the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) giving evidence on how those challenges are being addressed.
If you have direct experience of Access to Work — whether as a disabled professional, employer or adviser — this is your opportunity to submit written evidence before 23:59 on Thursday 26 February 2026.
Why This Inquiry Matters
Access to Work was introduced in 1994 to support disabled people and those with health conditions to enter and remain in employment. It can fund:
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Workplace assessments
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Specialist aids and equipment
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Support workers
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Travel to work
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Adjustments beyond employers’ legal obligations
In recent years, demand has risen sharply.
Government figures show:
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An 83% increase in the number of people approved for support or assessment (to 67,720 in 2023–24)
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A 72% increase in spending, from £149.9m to £257.8m
While rising demand demonstrates need, it has also led to significant backlogs.
Separately, the Public Accounts Committee has raised concerns about service levels for disability benefits claimants, including:
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Work coach shortages
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Poor levels of service
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High underpayment rates for disability benefits
The inquiry will examine how the Department is managing these pressures and what impact backlogs are having on claimants and employers.
What This Means for Blind and Partially Sighted People
Within the Blind Ambition community, many blind and Partially Sighted People of working age report similar patterns:
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Renewal delays
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Reduced awards without change in circumstances
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Inconsistent interpretation between case managers
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Financial instability during decision periods
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Loss of support workers due to delayed payments
The National Audit Office confirmed average processing times of 109 working days and a backlog of over 62,000 applications awaiting decision. These are not anecdotal concerns — they are documented systemic pressures.
Access to Work should enable employment. When decisions are delayed or inconsistent, confidence and continuity are affected.
Why Your Voice Matters
The Committee cannot assist with individual cases. However, it can examine systemic issues.
Evidence is particularly valuable where it:
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Demonstrates patterns rather than isolated incidents
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Highlights operational impact on employment continuity
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Shows financial or business consequences
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Identifies inconsistencies in guidance or interpretation
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Suggests practical reforms
You may request anonymity or confidentiality when submitting evidence, though publication decisions rest with the Committee.
The Committee cannot accept evidence already published elsewhere, so submissions must be original.
Reform Is Being Considered
The Government published proposals to reform Access to Work in March 2025.
The appointment of disabled people to advisory and steering structures in related areas of disability policy shows growing recognition that lived experience must inform reform. That principle must apply here too.
Access to Work is not a discretionary benefit. It is an employment enabler.
If the system functions predictably, blind and Partially Sighted People can plan, employ staff, sign contracts and grow businesses with confidence.
If it does not, economic participation becomes fragile.
A Final Word
This Call for Evidence represents a significant moment.
If you have experience of delays, inconsistencies, renewal challenges or operational impact — or if you have positive examples of best practice — consider submitting evidence before the deadline.
Policy improves when lived experience is heard.
Quote from Seema Flower
“Access to Work was designed to remove barriers. If systemic backlogs are creating new ones, Parliament must understand that reality.”
— Seema Flower
Managing Director, Blind Ambition
