MPs are calling for a change in the law to prevent benefit claimants from suffering harm at the hands of the government department that is meant to help them. Several people have died in recent years after failures by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). A cross-party committee of MPs says new legislation and "deep-rooted cultural change" at the DWP are needed to protect vulnerable clients. A DWP spokesperson said the government was "currently consulting on a new safeguarding approach" which "genuinely supports vulnerable people". In recent years, the deaths of Errol Graham, Philippa Day and Kevin Gale have seen the DWP widely criticized for its handling of vulnerable clients. In Mr Gale's case, the coroner highlighted "that current DWP procedures may not be practical for those with mental health illness and can exacerbate symptoms". The inquest heard of the number and length of DWP forms that claimants were required to complete, the length of telephone queues for DWP advisers, and the requirement to travel long distances for appointments for people affected by mental health illness. Thursday's report, from the Work and Pensions Select Committee, reveals the deaths of at least 274 people have been investigated internally by the DWP in since April 2015. Such inquiries - Internal Process Reviews - are launched when there is an allegation that a case has been mishandled by the DWP which has potentially contributed to serious harm or a safeguarding concern. During the same period, 58 reviews were opened into cases where customers suffered harm - but the MPs said the scale of the failings was likely to be greater. "That people continue to face harm after dealing with the DWP is a self-evident failure of safeguarding in the system," said committee chair Debbie Abrahams MP. "Until recently, getting people back into work to cut costs had been prioritised over providing support and care for vulnerable people," Ms Abrahams added. "We heard evidence that the process of engaging with the DWP... too often led to mental distress. "Deep-rooted cultural change of the DWP is desperately needed to rebuild trust and put safeguarding at the heart of policy development. "Introducing a statutory duty to safeguard vulnerable claimants for the department is a fundamental part of this." A new law, holding the secretary of state accountable for safeguarding clients, would ensure that everyone saw it as their responsibility to protect claimants, says the committee. Carl, 44, a former roofer from Croydon, south London, said his first interaction with the DWP "felt quite a nasty and traumatic experience". He had struggled for 18 months with a degenerative back condition that had left him with mobility issues and constant pain, requiring strong painkillers. In 2018, after trying a variety of less manual roles, such as plastering and carpet fitting, he realised he could no longer hold down a job. He applied for universal credit, his first ever benefit application, which led to an appointment at his local job centre. Carl says the work coach was "very dismissive and patronising". "He said: 'If you want money from us, you're going to have to jump through these hoops.' "It almost felt like he was trying to imply that I was being dishonest and I was putting it on. "It was a very uncaring response. I wanted support to get a non-manual job." Shannon Johnstone, 28, who found herself sleeping rough about seven years ago before turning to the DWP for help, said the recommendations "are going to be absolutely life-changing for people... if they're done right". At the start of her claim, she remembers the DWP told her: "We can't help with your homelessness," which she says was understandable but off-putting. She does not know if they referred her case to homeless organisations as she was never told. Now she welcomes the recommendation to include the views of people with lived experience in the design, planning and implementation of DWP policy. "People who have gone through the system understand what it feels like to be interviewed by a [DWP] inspector," says Shannon who now works for the charity, Expert Link. "They understand what it's like to gather lots of paperwork, so by including them in the design of the system, it's going to work so much better." In a statement, the DWP said the government was committed to protecting the people who use its services "and fixing the broken welfare system we inherited so it works for those who need it". "That's why we are currently consulting on a new safeguarding approach and our reforms will improve people's lives and rebuild trust, by establishing an approach that genuinely supports vulnerable people." The spokesperson added that the government was encouraging people to have their voices heard in the consultation and help build a system "that works better for all".
Overhaul needed to prevent benefit claimants suffering harm, MPs say
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"MPs Call for Legislative Reforms to Protect Vulnerable Benefit Claimants"
Bbc News
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Members of Parliament (MPs) are advocating for significant reforms within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to prevent harm to benefit claimants, emphasizing the need for legislative changes and a cultural overhaul within the department. This call comes in the wake of several tragic cases, including those of Errol Graham, Philippa Day, and Kevin Gale, who died following failures in DWP processes. The Work and Pensions Select Committee, which comprises MPs from various political parties, has expressed concern that the current procedures are inadequate for supporting vulnerable individuals, particularly those with mental health issues. A DWP spokesperson mentioned that the government is actively consulting on a new safeguarding approach intended to genuinely assist vulnerable populations. However, the committee's report highlights that at least 274 deaths have been investigated by the DWP since April 2015, raising serious questions about the department's ability to protect its clients effectively. The committee's chair, Debbie Abrahams MP, criticized the prioritization of cost-cutting over the welfare of claimants, noting that the engagement process with the DWP often leads to increased mental distress for individuals seeking support.
A proposed statutory duty to safeguard vulnerable claimants aims to hold the Secretary of State accountable for the well-being of these individuals. This recommendation seeks to ensure that safeguarding becomes a core aspect of policy development within the DWP. Personal testimonies from individuals like Carl, a former roofer with a degenerative back condition, and Shannon Johnstone, who faced homelessness, underscore the need for a more compassionate approach from the DWP. Carl described his initial encounter with the DWP as traumatic, feeling dismissed and patronized by staff, while Shannon highlighted the importance of including the perspectives of those with lived experience in policy design. As the DWP commits to reforms aimed at rebuilding trust and improving the welfare system, the MPs stress that the effectiveness of these changes will hinge on genuine engagement with those who have navigated the system, ensuring that their insights inform better practices moving forward.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the urgent need for reform within the UK's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to prevent harm to vulnerable benefit claimants. It emphasizes the tragic consequences of the current system, including the deaths of individuals who were supposed to receive support. The report from the Work and Pensions Select Committee calls for legislative changes and a significant cultural shift within the DWP to better safeguard these individuals.
Government Accountability and Vulnerable Populations
The MPs' call for reform indicates a growing concern about the effectiveness of the DWP in supporting those it is meant to help. The highlighted cases of Errol Graham, Philippa Day, and Kevin Gale serve as poignant examples of systemic failures. The article portrays the DWP as failing to adequately address the needs of people with mental health issues, suggesting that existing procedures may be inadequate and potentially harmful. This narrative seeks to hold the government accountable for its shortcomings, advocating for change to ensure such tragedies do not recur.
Cultural Shift and Legislative Changes
The emphasis on a "deep-rooted cultural change" within the DWP reflects a broader recognition that the current approach prioritizes cost-cutting and efficiency over genuine care for vulnerable populations. The MPs are pushing for new legislation that not only addresses procedural flaws but also aims to transform the culture of the department itself. This aligns with a growing public sentiment that the welfare system must evolve to be more compassionate and responsive to individual needs.
Potential Public Sentiment and Reactions
The article likely aims to resonate with those who have been affected by the welfare system or who advocate for social justice. It appeals to a sense of empathy and urgency, potentially rallying public support for legislative changes. The portrayal of the government as neglectful may provoke outrage and prompt calls for accountability, leading to increased pressure on policymakers.
Economic and Political Implications
While the immediate focus is on social welfare, the implications of this issue extend into the political arena. If public sentiment sways significantly against the DWP, it could influence upcoming elections and the political landscape. The discussion of welfare reform may also affect economic policies, particularly regarding budget allocations for social services.
Hidden Agendas and Media Representation
The article does not appear to hide any information but instead emphasizes transparency and accountability. However, it is essential to consider whether the focus on tragic individual cases oversimplifies the broader systemic issues within the welfare system. The portrayal of the DWP may contribute to a negative public image of the department, which could have long-term consequences for its operations and funding.
Use of AI in News Reporting
There's no direct evidence in the article to suggest that AI was used in its creation. However, advancements in AI could influence how such reports are framed, particularly in terms of language and presentation. AI models might be capable of analyzing public sentiment or highlighting specific narratives, which could impact how stories like this are communicated.
In conclusion, the article serves as a call to action for reform within the DWP, highlighting the dire consequences of its current practices. The emphasis on legislative change and cultural transformation reflects a growing recognition of the need to better protect vulnerable populations. The overall reliability of the article is reinforced by its focus on factual cases and the push for accountability, though it is important to remain aware of the broader systemic issues at play.