- The Department of Work and Pensions has been heavily criticised following a damning report from the Public Accounts Committee on the introduction of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) which described the scheme as a “fiasco.” The cross-party group of MPs warned that the PIP scheme has been “rushed” through with a “shocking” impact on claimants.
- MacMillan cancer support has criticised the Department of Work and Pensions as a report shows at least 4,500 cancer patients (29%) have waited six months or more to find out whether they will even be awarded their Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- A leaked memo has revealed the government could be in breach of its self-imposed cap on welfare spending. The memos suggest Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) costs are rising with few cost-cutting options.
- A report by the Poverty Truth Commission has said benefit sanctions are being “disproportionately and unfairly applied” and are “breaking people’s spirits and damaging their physical and mental health.” It is also stated in the report that people are more and more “being blamed for being poor” – a damning indictment of Westminster’s increasingly right-wing rhetoric on the welfare state.
“The Department of Work and Pensions is in an utter shambles.
“The failures of the UK government have meant some of the most vulnerable people in our society have been forced to turn to food banks and loans whilst their claims have been decided – including people who are terminally ill.
“We know the majority of Scots want all welfare decisions made in Scotland rather than Westminster, and a Yes vote in September will make that a reality.”
“The failures of the UK government have meant some of the most vulnerable people in our society have been forced to turn to food banks and loans whilst their claims have been decided – including people who are terminally ill.
“We know the majority of Scots want all welfare decisions made in Scotland rather than Westminster, and a Yes vote in September will make that a reality.”