DWP Under Scrutiny: New Inquiry to Examine Support for Vulnerable Benefit Recipients

In a significant move, the Work and Pensions Committee of MPs has launched a new inquiry to examine how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) supports vulnerable benefit claimants.  

The inquiry's launch comes in response to a significant increase in Internal Process Reviews (IPRs) carried out by the DWP. These reviews, which have more than doubled in the past three years, investigate allegations of inadequate case handling that may have led to serious harm or even the death of claimants. 

Launching the inquiry, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms said: 

“The covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis have placed severe pressures on the benefits system and required extra-ordinary intervention from the Government. The need for a raft of emergency measures to support those in need of benefits has highlighted broader questions about the adequacy of the benefits system in guaranteeing a basic standard of living. If it requires such frequent sticking-plaster measures, is it fit for purpose? 

“This inquiry will look at the fundamental principles governing the benefits system to find out if they are working as they should be. Most importantly, we will investigate if a consensus can be reached for what an “adequate” level of support provided by the benefit system should be.” 

Timms emphasized that the inquiry will look at the DWP's efforts to make benefits accessible and protect claimants from harm. It will also explore whether the Department should have a statutory duty to safeguard and how it can learn from past mistakes to prevent future harm. 

The inquiry's central question is whether the DWP has a duty to protect "vulnerable people". If it doesn't, should it?

To answer this, the Committee will gather evidence from a variety of sources, including coroners, lawyers, and families of claimants who have died. 

The inquiry is a response to the persistent calls for action from families who have lost loved ones. These families, including those of Philippa Day, Jodey Whiting, David Clapson, James Oliver, Errol Graham, and Mark Wood, have been campaigning for justice, demanding that the DWP be held accountable for its actions. 

Labor MP, Debbie Abrahams, who was heavily involved in campaigning for a formal inquiry, commented saying: 

“After years of pushing the government for an independent inquiry into the deaths of social security claimants, the work and pensions select committee have agreed to an inquiry investigating safeguarding arrangements at the DWP.”

“The committee will be inviting coroners and lawyers who have been involved in the inquests and court cases concerning the deaths of people who died while they were in receipt of benefits or shortly afterwards. 

“But we will also be inviting families of loved ones who have died to provide us with evidence in writing and in person. 

“So I would urge everyone who has a story which may not have been heard to get in touch.” 

According to Disability News Network, alongside other journalists, they have collected evidence that suggests that the problems within the DWP extend far beyond the current assessment system. Much of this evidence has been collected into a detailed timeline, as part of the Deaths by Welfare project, which can be found here.  

The launch of these inquiries marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about the role and responsibilities of the DWP. It is a testament to the tireless efforts of campaigners who have sought justice for their loved ones and a beacon of hope for vulnerable claimants who rely on the benefits system.