28 October 1996

The Department of Social Security tells the Social Security Advisory Committee that intended policy changes to remove the ‘substantial risk’ rules (which provide vital safeguarding) would have no detrimental effect.

What: The Department of Social Security (DSS) told the Social Security Advisory Committee that intended policy changes to remove the ‘substantial risk’ rules were neutral (i.e. were of no effect).

Why significant: The ‘substantial risk’ rules highlight high risk ‘cases’ where points-based assessment doesn’t work and where clinical risk assessment is required and were adopted by the DWP upon introduction of the All Work Test in 1995.