MPs are calling for a change in the law after a report concluded the deaths and harm of hundreds of vulnerable benefit claimants – including Nottingham woman Philippa Day – could have been prevented by the DWP.
Ms Day, 27, died from a brain injury in 2019 after a deliberate overdose of insulin.
A coroner later said 28 errors were made in managing her benefits case by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Capita, which carries out some benefits assessments.
The added stress caused by the errors “significantly increased her risk of self-harm and suicide”, a report by the Nottingham City Safeguarding Adults Board (NCSAB) said in 2023.
Speaking in December 2023, Philippa’s sister Imogen said: “I believe that the DWP should be rebuilt using co-production methods with claimants, disability organisations and those that have been let down by the system.”
A new report, published on Thursday (May 15) by the Work and Pensions Select Committee, has now revealed the deaths of at least 274 people have been investigated internally by the DWP.
These internal investigations are done when there is an allegation a case has been mishandled by the government department.
The report, from the cross-party committee of MPs, says: “Over several years there are known to have been hundreds of serious harms and deaths of claimants, and the cases of Errol Graham, Philippa Day, and Kevin Gale have particularly been highlighted to us as part of this inquiry.
“From coroners’ inquests and other reports, we know many of these deaths could have been prevented by the DWP.”
The current committee’s predecessor opened its inquiry – called ‘Safeguarding Vulnerable Claimants’ – in July 2023.
It followed concerns that inadequate safeguarding practices had “contributed to claimants experiencing serious harm, including death by suicide and starvation”.
The committee was unable to publish its report due to the General Election in July last year, but the inquiry was reopened in October.
According to the report, efforts to move people back to work and cost-effectiveness “had been perceived to be prioritised over providing genuine care and support to vulnerable people”.
Having taken evidence from dozens of witnesses, the report has recommended the Government imposes a duty to safeguard vulnerable claimants that applies to the whole department, and for which the Secretary of State is ultimately accountable.
The department is not currently required by law to ensure the safeguarding of vulnerable claimants, but the report notes it is “striking” it has never had any coherent policy or strategy.
As well as Ms Day’s case, the report also references a Nottingham City Council Safeguarding Adult Review (SAR) relating to a black African-Caribbean man called ‘Billy’, who died from starvation in 2018.
‘Billy’ had been living alone in his Nottingham City Homes (NCH) council property. Eight months before his death, the DWP stopped his employment support allowance due to a lack of engagement.
He quickly fell into arrears, and at the time of his death he was facing eviction, his gas supply had been cut off, he had no heating or hot water, and he had no income for food or utilities.
“He was debilitated by his depression and unable to function,” the SAR report, published in May 2023, said.
“Had there been improved communication between agencies, this may have mobilised the help and support he needed. Tragically, the interventions by agencies added to his problems by cutting off vital services.”
A DWP spokesperson said: “We are currently consulting on a new safeguarding approach, and our reforms will improve people’s lives and rebuild trust, by establishing an approach that genuinely supports vulnerable people.
“As we deliver our Plan for Change, we encourage people to have their voices heard through our consultation so we can build a safeguarding approach that works better for all.”
The spokesperson added the Government will conduct a thorough review of current safeguarding processes, and is currently consulting on a new safeguarding approach.
A multi-disciplinary team has also been set up to support in joining-up the new safeguarding approach across the department.
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