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Activity 9: Evacuation of the bowel and/or bladder (LCW)

Activity 9 is defined in regulations as -

Absence or loss of control whilst conscious leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or bladder, other than enuresis (bed-wetting), despite the wearing or use of any aids or adaptations which are normally or could reasonably be worn or used.

Activity 9 considers the ability to maintain continence of bladder or bowel, or prevent leakage from a collecting device. The descriptors take into account loss of continence while a claimant is awake/conscious and the loss of continence must lead to 'extensive' leakage of urine or faeces which is likely to require the person to have to wash and change clothing.

Note: in Autumn 2023, the government launched a consultation on reform of the work capability assessment including proposals to either remove the LCW continence activity or reduce the points awarded for its descriptors. However, in its November 2023 response to the consultation, the government confirmed that it will not make any changes to the LCW continence activity or descriptors.

Descriptors

The descriptors that relate to Activity 9 are -

  1. At least once a month experiences: (i) loss of control leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or voiding of the bladder; or (ii) substantial leakage of the contents of a collecting device, sufficient to require cleaning and a change in clothing. 15 points
  2. The majority of the time is at risk of loss of control leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or voiding of the bladder, sufficient to require cleaning and a change in clothing, if not able to reach a toilet quickly. 6 points
  3. Neither of the above applies. 0 points

Sources:

See also section 3.2.10 of the DWP’s Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals.

Case law

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