Jason Moorhouse MHK has asked the Treasury Minister for five years of incapacity benefit data, with a focus on mental health related claims.
In a written question due for answer by April 9, Mr Moorhouse has asked Treasury Minister Chris Thomas to confirm how many people were receiving incapacity benefit on March 1 this year, and on the same date in each of the previous four years.
He has requested the figures be broken down into those claiming for a mental health condition and those claiming for any other reason.
Mr Moorhouse is also seeking details of the annual cost of paying incapacity benefit, a figure that has become increasingly relevant amid rising concern about workforce participation and the pressures on public finances.
The response is expected to provide a clearer picture of trends in long‑term illness and mental health related absence across the island.
