‘PIP Apply’ online claims “by end of the year”

Ian Franks welcomes intentions to bring in online claims system for PIP, but warns to be ready for delays.

Pathetic government causes laughter and pity, it’s time to go

Sitting here alongside Lisa, in our home in southern Spain, I watch the political shenanigans in the UK over Brexit with both amusement and pity. Amusement, because of the knots into which politicians contrive to tie themselves, and pity for residents of the UK who deserve a government that is fit for purpose. Unfortunately, events …

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Government gagging clauses attempt to silence critics

“I don’t believe it” was the catchphrase of Victor Meldrew (pictured right) in the BBCtv sit-com One foot in the grave. It signaled his frustration with elements of life today. However, although feeling equally exasperated as actor Richard Wilson’s character, I really DO believe it. It is another example of overreach, so typical of UK …

Disability benefits: Questions remain over timing and complexity

Why, oh why, oh why? This was the title of a hit song (well in the UK anyway) performed by Gilbert O’Sullivan in 1973, but now represents three questions to which we need answers. And by that, I am talking about meaningful answers from a government department responsible for benefits for the sick and disabled. …

Government minister’s welfare benefits statements prove economical with the truth

Sarah Newton, one of two ministers of state at the department for work and pensions (DWP), was in the centre of a heated debate in the House of Commons, this week. The Canary, a website dedicated to independent campaigning journalism, reported that she made some staggering claims. It went on to question how many of …

Government withdraws disability benefit legal appeals, at last

A government disability benefits boss has withdrawn another two legal appeals which now opens the door for more claimants to receive the benefits to which they are entitled. The appeals, by the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), were withdrawn by the department’s secretary of state Esther McVey MP. Previously, she cancelled plans to …

Government department’s “no information” claim is just a feeble cover-up

A government department responsible for disability benefits has effectively admitted that vital documents were not shown to an expert hired to conduct a review. The papers link its controversial ‘fitness to work’ test with deaths of benefit claimants. The UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) claims it has no information about whether the reviewer …

Benefit sanctions ineffective, independent study

A new study confirms what we already knew – sanctions against benefit claimants just don’t work. It says they trigger negative outcomes. Sanctions are already discredited. They are imposed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with the somewhat dubious aim of getting jobless and people with disabilities into work. However, a long-term study …

Benefits department accused of deliberately misleading select committee and GPs

Shock? Horror? No, not really. A government department is misleading people, including an official committee and doctors. No surprise there, as far as I am concerned, the UK government’s Department for Work and Pensions has a hit and miss attitude to honesty. It may not ‘lie’ but is certainly happy to ‘mislead’. Again and again, …

Government intends to record PIP assessments

This is wonderful news …. or is it? I suppose it depends on your view of the honesty of the government and its department responsible for disability benefits. The UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) intends to record the controversial Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment as “a standard part of the process”. At least, …