Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from repeated criticisms of the DWP's inadequacy in safeguarding vulnerable claimants, highlighted by multiple prevention of future deaths notices and a section 23 notice.
What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of his Department's safeguarding policies? The woeful inadequacy of the DWP's safeguarding policy has been revealed time and again with five prevention of future deaths notices issued by coroners to successive Secretaries of State since 2012, a section 23 notice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission due to fears of discrimination against disabled claimants, and 140 more claimant deaths investigated between July 2019 and June 2022.
We had a good debate on these serious issues the week before last, when I placed on record the significant work officials are undertaking with Ministers to address these matters. We continue to be open to proper engagement around processes to ensure they are fit for purpose and support claimants through tailored approaches.
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Assessment & feedback
Failure of successive Secretaries of State to safeguard vulnerable claimants
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from repeated criticisms of the DWP's inadequacy in safeguarding vulnerable claimants, highlighted by multiple prevention of future deaths notices and a section 23 notice.
What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of his Department's safeguarding policies? The woeful inadequacy of the DWP's safeguarding policy has been revealed time and again with five prevention of future deaths notices issued by coroners to successive Secretaries of State since 2012, a section 23 notice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission due to fears of discrimination against disabled claimants, and 140 more claimant deaths investigated between July 2019 and June 2022.
I say to the hon. Lady, who raises serious issues, that we had a good debate on these matters the week before last when I was able to place on record the significant work officials are undertaking with Ministers to address these concerns. We continue to be open to proper engagement around processes to ensure they are fit for purpose and support claimants through tailored approaches.
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Assessment & feedback
Failure of successive Secretaries of State to safeguard vulnerable claimants
Response accuracy