Disabled People Trust in DWP 2022-02-07
2022-02-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Department for Work and Pensions' social security advisory committee highlighted a year ago that disabled individuals lack trust in the department. Burying the NatCen report, which detailed these issues, is seen as exacerbating distrust. The improper consultation on the national disability strategy has been found to breach legal standards.
I am concerned about the social security advisory committee's recommendation last year that disabled people do not trust DWP and that burying the NatCen report worsened this situation. Improper consultation on the national disability strategy was found illegal. Should the Minister accept the committee's advice to establish a protocol for proper engagement with disabled individuals?
I want to engage more with disabled people and listen to them through various methods. However, I disagree with the assertion about the NatCen research and its breach of the cross-Government social research protocol, as protecting a private space for policy development has always been permissible.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask to accept the committee's recommendation was not directly addressed
Disagreeing With The Assertion About Breach Of Protocol
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Minister has been working closely with leading health and disability charities.
In addition to the Minister's work with health and disability charities, can she confirm that she is engaged with regional stakeholder networks to ensure a diverse range of disabled voices shapes Government work?
I am indeed fully engaged with regional stakeholder networks to listen to and incorporate a wide range of disability voices. We need this diversity to inform our decisions correctly.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The NatCen report highlighted a hostile environment for disabled people in the DWP, with cruel assessments leading to long delays and appeals.
Considering the harsh assessments, lengthy delays before decisions are made, and extended waiting times at tribunals, can the Minister understand why thousands of disabled individuals feel let down by the Department? What steps will she take to reduce these issues?
We are working to ensure benefits reach those who need them as quickly as possible, but I disagree with the assertion that most claims go to tribunals or reconsideration. The facts were presented last week.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask regarding actions to reduce delays and unfair waiting times was not directly addressed
Disagreeing With The Assertion About Most Claims
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The Minister has welcomed the British Sign Language Bill and a commitment to improving support for BSL users through the Access to Work Scheme.
Welcoming the British Sign Language Bill, will the Minister commit to advancing this important legislation quickly to ensure more deaf individuals are supported in reaching their potential?
We are committed to advancing the British Sign Language Bill, which aims to improve education, employment, and societal engagement of deaf people. This is important work that we aim to progress quickly.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy