The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been accused of failing to protect vulnerable claimants after it refused to accept a legal duty of care.
Disability Rights UK, of which WECIL is a member, has branded the DWP’s refusal as “shocking and shameful”, while the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute said the department is failing to identify and support vulnerable claimants.
The controversy comes after an inquiry by the Commons Work and Pensions Committee was told by over 20 Disabled People’s Organisations, disability charities and welfare rights organisations that they believe the DWP should have a legal duty to safeguard the wellbeing of vulnerable claimants.
They argue that the DWP’s current practices are failing claimants and causing harm.
The DWP disagrees and says it already provides a supportive and compassionate service.
However, campaigners have highlighted a number of cases where vulnerable claimants have been left without essential support, including food, water and heating.
They say that the DWP’s lack of safeguarding measures is putting lives at risk.
WECIL is calling on the government to introduce a legal duty of care for vulnerable claimants.
We believe that this would help to ensure that they are properly supported and protected.
We also call on the DWP to improve its current practices and to do more to identify and support vulnerable claimants.
More details can be found in this article on Disability News Service.
