Summary
MPs in the UK are calling for changes to laws and practices at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to better protect people receiving benefits after reports of harm and several deaths linked to DWP errors. A new law requiring better safeguarding of vulnerable individuals is proposed, alongside a cultural change within the DWP to prioritize support for these individuals.
Key Facts
- A cross-party group of MPs reviewed cases where people were harmed due to DWP errors.
- The deaths of Errol Graham, Philippa Day, and Kevin Gale are highlighted as examples of such failures.
- The Work and Pensions Select Committee investigated 274 cases where harm was reported since April 2015.
- The DWP is consulting on a new safeguarding approach to better support vulnerable people.
- MPs suggest a new law to make safeguarding vulnerable claimants a top priority for the DWP.
- Testimonies indicate that some procedures may worsen mental health symptoms, like long forms and phone queues.
- The committee notes that the DWP previously prioritized getting people back to work over support for vulnerable people.
