Overview

• The National Audit Office will investigate Access to Work in winter 2025/26, examining the scheme’s purpose, operational challenges, and the DWP’s response.
• The DWP announced £338 million for Connect to Work, offering tailored coaching and job-matching in 15 areas of England, with support for 85,000 people initially and 300,000 across England and Wales over five years.
• Local details include up to £18.7 million for Hampshire to support around 4,800 people, with coverage also in London, South Yorkshire, Greater Essex and other council and mayoral areas.
• Campaigners and claimants report reduced awards, halted equipment grants, and long waits that have pushed some people out of jobs, with about 62,000 applications awaiting processing earlier this year.
• Ministers say there has been no formal change to Access to Work eligibility and pledge co‑produced reforms after a consultation, while Sir Stephen Timms has warned current growth is unlikely to be sustainable.