Volunteers and staff at the Malvern Citizens’ Advice Bureau have been the first people to hear an early briefing about imminent changes to the incapacity benefit system. West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin made a presentation to CAB advisers in advance of the nationwide changes to the Incapacity Benefit system which will begin later this year and continue until 2014. Harriett said: “This presentation has been prepared by civil servants and is suitable for organisations like the CAB who work with many of the people who are likely to be affected. “I was pleased that the Malvern CAB agreed to take part and the feedback that they gave was very useful. “Several important issues were raised and I am keen to report their feedback to the Ministerial team at the Department of Work and Pensions. Across the country 2.5 million people who receive Incapacity Benefits will be affected by the changes. The benefit will no longer exist by 2014. Instead, people will be given a medical assessment and will either be moved onto Employment Support Allowance or may be asked to apply for Job Seekers Allowance. In Worcestershire, there are over 18,000 people currently on Incapacity benefit or Employment and Support allowance. Harriett added: ”The changes being made to the benefits system will help some people return to work and will provide extra support to those who cannot work or need more help to become ready for work. This presentation was part of a process to make sure that people understand the process of assessment.”