92,000 ESA claimants to receive bad news next week

Rightsnet users will be aware that the DWP will start to write to ESA claimants next week (w/c 19/09/11).  They are writing to all those receiving contribution based ESA who are in the WRAG group.

http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/news/story/dwp-to-write-to-claimants-about-time-limiting-of-contribution-based-esa-fro/

http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums/viewthread/1856/

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/proposed-changes-to-contribution/

I have received a response from the DWP to a FOI request asking how many claimants will receive the letter.  Their best estimate at the moment is based on the caseload as at February 2011.  This indicates that over 92,000 claimants will receive the bad news.

They have also provided a breakdown by Local Authority and parliamentary constituency.

I’ve uploaded all the relevant data as you might find it a useful supplement to any policy work you are doing in your locality.