Benefits assessments “not fit for purpose” say health professionals

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 at 9:44 am

Steps taken by the government in order to cut benefit fraud have been branded by health professionals as “not fit for purpose” as protests spread across the country.

The Scotsman reports that a group protesting against the examinations used by benefit fraud investigators has gained the support of local GPs. Dr Stephen Carty, a Scottish GP, decided to join the protest after he discovered that examinations took place without consulting a medical professional. He said: “I have grave concerns about the harm that is being done to patients who are being put through… this process.”

This is a worrying development for the government, which has come under increasing pressure to change the way it assesses those claiming incapacity benefits. There are concerns that benefits fraud investigators who carry out assessments are wrongfully labelling those unable to work as fit to do so, thereby endangering their long-term health.

Protests began in Edinburgh over 18 months ago, following the suicide of local resident Paul Reekie. Mr. Reekie was found dead after his benefits payments were allegedly cut before he could recover from clinical depression. Whilst no suicide note was found, two letters from the DWP were found by his body, both informing him that his housing and incapacity benefits would be stopped.

A spokesman for the DWP said: “We are committed to helping thousands of people move from benefits and back into work – those found too sick or disabled to work… will continue to receive the help and support they need.” It remains to be seen whether benefit fraud investigators will be forced to change their practices.

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