Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Disabled People on Benefits: EHRC Investigation

23 May 2024 · 13 other contributors

Opened by Mims Davies Con East Grinstead and Uckfield

Benefits & WelfareWomen & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Mims Davies raised concerns about disabled people on benefits: ehrc investigation in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to providing fair opportunity and access to support for disabled people and vulnerable claimants.
  • The DWP has been in negotiations with the EHRC on disability benefits since 2021.
  • The Minister does not believe an investigation is necessary but acknowledges the EHRC's concerns.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Mims Davies

It is a pleasure to be called to the Dispatch Box to respond for the Department for Work and Pensions this morning. The Department is committed to providing fair opportunity and access to support for every customer, including disabled people and vulnerable claimants. Since 2021, the DWP has been in negotiations with the EHRC on disability benefits, but a mutually agreeable position has not yet been reached. While the Minister does not believe an investigation is necessary, she acknowledges the EHRC's concerns seriously and welcomes the focus provided by the terms of reference for their investigation. The Department will work constructively to better understand these concerns and address any improvements identified.

Other contributors (13)
  • Marion Fellows SHADOW RESPONSE

    Question

    Expresses frustration over three years of negotiations between DWP and EHRC, challenges the Government's treatment of those with illness or disability, and welcomes the investigation by the EHRC for transparency. Cites UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' findings criticising UK Government’s failure to address human rights violations against people with disabilities. Criticises welfare reforms that cut disabled individuals’ incomes during a cost-of-living crisis.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates mutual respect and compassion from the Department, emphasising its commitment to learning and understanding through initiatives like trauma-informed approaches and engagement across the UK. Acknowledges tragic and complex cases and expresses ongoing internal process reviews for improvement. Emphasises the growing number of visiting officers for vulnerable individuals and dedicated prison work coaches.

  • Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North

    Question

    Asks for reassurances on inclusion of disabled people in consultations, ensuring they are enabled to move into and stay in work with support from Disability Confident. Questions ongoing assessments for victims of contaminated blood, sodium valproate, Primodos, and mesh. Reiterates that including disabled people is crucial for their rights.

    Minister reply

    Points to Government-backed initiatives like the lilac review on disabled entrepreneurs, engagement on British Sign Language, and wider reform conversations, emphasising inclusion's importance for business success and not as a “nice to do” but what should be done.

  • Angela Eagle Lab Wallasey

    Question

    This is the first time in history that the Equality and Human Rights Commission has decided to investigate whether a Secretary of State has committed unlawful acts by discriminating against disabled people. The report by the all-party parliamentary group for health indicates this may have led to deaths of vulnerable claimants, by suicide and other causes. Will the Minister recognise the seriousness of her predicament and apologise to disabled people?

    Minister reply

    The investigation is based on suspicion; it does not prove unlawful acts occurred. The DWP takes its Equality Act 2010 obligations seriously and will cooperate with the commission's investigation. The Department continues learning and improving, providing necessary tools to support vulnerable customers.

  • Matthew Hancock Con West Suffolk

    Question

    As a departing MP, will the Minister ensure jobcentre staff are given support to do their jobs excellently? Will she consider physical disabilities but also hidden disabilities like neurodivergent conditions in her response?

    Minister reply

    Welcomes Matthew Hancock's interest in neurodiversity and understanding. Mentions partnerships with local leaders such as Julia Nix, urging people to see their local jobcentre’s power to bring about change.

  • Kirsten Oswald Lab West Tyrone

    Question

    Does the Minister stand by her assertion that the UK is one of the best places for disabled persons to live and work, given serious concerns raised by the Equality and Human Rights Commission? What does she have to say to disabled people watching?

    Minister reply

    Encourages people with disabilities in West Tyrone to thrive through Access to Work scheme. Emphasises the importance of local support networks and continuous improvement.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    Will my hon. Friend update on work being done to ensure people, especially those who become disabled due to illness or accidents, receive necessary benefits at their time of greatest crisis?

    Minister reply

    Rolling out the WorkWell service in 15 integrated care systems; these pilots will be locally designed to fit local needs and linked to existing work and health systems.

  • Stephen Timms Lab East Ham

    Question

    Disabled people’s confidence is at a low ebb due to three years of failed negotiations. Can the Minister give an explanation from the Department now?

    Minister reply

    Will work constructively with the commission during its investigation; seeking further clarity on what information can be shared until conversations have ended.

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    Question

    Could the Minister tell us what the Department is doing to ensure that the sanctions regime against people with disabilities, particularly those with mental health conditions, operates in a more respectful and inclusive manner?

    Minister reply

    Growing number of visiting officers and colleagues trained in trauma-informed approach; close engagement with wider safeguarding. Trusted relationships with work coaches are crucial for direct communication with healthcare teams.

  • Barry Sheerman Lab Harrow West

    Question

    In light of the changing nature of disability and need, can we provide more training to staff conducting assessments, particularly regarding neurodiversity and autism spectrum disorders?

    Minister reply

    Agrees that needs have changed and acknowledges the importance of better understanding different types of disabilities. The Department works closely with healthcare assessors and has implemented a new process to pause personal independence payments when additional information is needed. Emphasises ongoing work on improving support for autistic individuals.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Highlights the frustration caused by benefits system decisions, noting that 85% of appeals are successful and indicating a need for better initial assessments.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the work of casework teams and the complexity of cases. Mentions various measures in place to improve understanding of fluctuating conditions and customer needs.

  • Neil Coyle Lab Bermondsey and Old Southwark

    Question

    Challenges the Minister on the failure to reach a basic agreement to ensure accessible services for disabled people, questioning if it is due to laziness or incompetence.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates commitment to Equality Act obligations and willingness to cooperate with the commission. Acknowledges disappointment in not reaching an agreement but highlights the Department’s focus on individual needs.

  • Joanna Cherry SNP Edinburgh South West

    Question

    Congratulates colleagues for their work on disability rights and calls for a cast-iron guarantee to end discrimination against disabled people in the benefits system.

    Minister reply

    Emphasises the importance of compassion, understanding, and listening. Outlines measures such as WorkWell’s universal support and trauma-informed approach. Affirms commitment to address any improvements identified by the commission.

Shadow Comment

Marion Fellows

I thank the Minister for her answer but express frustration over three years of negotiations with no progress, underlining ongoing issues in the treatment of those with illness or disability. The Scottish National party welcomes this overdue investigation by the EHRC for transparency and accountability. If equality law breaches are found, strong action must be taken to address past mistakes and support disabled people better than the current approach does. Proposed welfare reforms that slash incomes during a cost-of-living crisis and undermine extra costs benefits for disabled individuals are criticised as dangerous.

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