Despite this answer, a DWP spokeswoman has now confirmed to Disability News Service that “although we continue to make reasonable endeavours to accommodate requests for recording assessments, we believe it would be unreasonable to delay the assessment indefinitely for this purpose”.
She said only a “very few people” would not be able to have their WCA recorded, and added: “Atos will make every effort to get your assessment recorded but for a very few people that situation cannot go on indefinitely.
“If there is a particular problem [with arranging the recording equipment] then it may be that you have to proceed with the assessment without recording.”
She said Atos had ordered some new recorders – but could not say how many – and would also borrow equipment usually used by DWP to record interviews in cases of suspected benefit fraud.
She added: “We initially purchased 11 as there were very small numbers who requested recording and on the basis of [a pilot project] the solution seemed reasonable.
“We are now putting in a revised solution but must balance the still very small number of requests with appropriate use of public money which we will continue to evaluate.”
Debbie Jolly, a member of the grassroots campaigning organisation
Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), said that despite the “Chinese whispers” taking place between DWP, Atos and MPs, they all insist that a “very small number” of people request recordings of their WCA.
But she said that early results from a
survey launched this week by DPAC and fellow campaigning groups Black Triangle and Social Welfare Union cast huge doubt on this conclusion, with 98 per cent of people who have taken part saying they would like their WCA recorded.
I want to rant, but I won't 
