Report Damning On DWP Assessments.

A report 5 years ago highlighted the dangers of the assessment process when trying to obtain benefits. People with illness physical or mental must face an assessment to get Universal Credit. Should they pass this process they are then able to access benefits.

A new report has damned the assessment process once again. People all over the country have committed suicide because of blunders by the Work and Pensions Department. Or because they have been refused sickness benefit. People can appeal and are usually successful when taken to tribunal. Many successful claimants at the tribunal get their benefits backdated.

The fact that a report commissioned 5 years ago warned the government about this and yet nothing was done is disgusting. The question is will the government of Wishy-Washy-Rishi act on this report? If the government were made aware of this 5 years ago and didn't act why should they now?

Under this government's watch, the 5 Prime Ministers we have had has overseen people killing themselves because of Universal Credit. Particularly though those with illness. Under Jeremy Corbyn, Universal Credit was going to be scrapped and replaced with something better.

Sir Keir Corbyn's successor was also going to scrap the controversial benefit. However, Sir Keir rowed back on this and now instead should he come to power will review and revise the benefit.

People find the whole process of applying for sick benefits so stressful. Especially those with mental illnesses. In the run-up to the assessment process, those with mental illnesses find this particularly stressful. Then when the process is taking place usually via video call many find it hard going. I have experienced this and it seems when asking you questions (based on what you put on your form) it's like they are trying to catch you out. That may be fake but that's how it seems and it may be true. Does the question have to be asked how many of these assessors are properly medically trained?

It seems these assessments are set up to make many claimants fail. The government does not want anyone on benefits. Even the sick and it seems they want you to work even if you are dead and gone. In one sense it is understandable why these assessments have been set up like this.

Unfortunately, there are many who are not sick or not as ill as they make out. So, the government came down hard on those like that. The sad part is everyone who is genuine is tarred with the same brush as those faking it. A one size fits all mentality has always been the modus operandi of this government. Like a giant fishing net that scoops up adult fish and young. So this is the process of the assessment and sickness benefits. Those who are fake and those who are genuine are stuck together. There is no process to sort the wheat from the chaff. In other words, those who are genuinely ill and deserve financial help and those who are fake.

A spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions said they are "deeply concerned". They said they are aware of the process which causes many claimants "psychological distress".

This government have umpteen things to sort out. It appears Rishi and his gang are out of their depth on many issues. From migration to striking workers, etc, Sunak does not seem to have any idea what to do. The government are fond of saying they have spent money on this and money on that. However, if this is true why are we facing so many problems?

The government blame these problems on the war in Ukraine, Covid, etc. Yes, they are right in one sense but as Sir Keir pointed out the government just uses these things as excuses.

In May at the local elections, people need to get out and give this administration a good kicking. Also, at the next general election whatever this government say or do they need to be kicked out of office. The UK is crumbling and this government seem happy to sit back and let it happen. To quote Sir Keir again this government is overseeing the managed decline of our nation and services.