Benefits assessments - are they meeting the needs of local people?
In February, Healthwatch published a well-received report which examined what the impacts were for vulnerable adults who are required to undergo an assessment for two state benefits: Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Employment Support Allowance (ESA).
These benefits support those living with short and long-term conditions which affect their daily lives. Our report painted a sombre picture, highlighting:
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A lack of empathy shown by some assessors towards vulnerable claimants;
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Assessors who sometimes displayed poor knowledge of common medical conditions, especially mental health conditions;
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Advocates (who provide advice and support to claimants) being treated with disrespect by some assessors;
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Reasonable requests e.g. for a home visit, being declined without explanation;
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Benefits assessment reports that contained factual inaccuracies and which bore little resemblance to assessment interviews;
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An assessment approach which appeared to be more about ‘catching people out’ and declining claims rather than actively helping vulnerable people.
David Liley, Chief Officer, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove said:
“There is concern in Parliament over the way vulnerable people are treated by the benefits assessment system. Here in the streets of Brighton and Hove we see the reality, decent people trying to live a good life but challenged by chronic ill health treated in a shocking and insensitive way."
One local organisation helping people with high level autism and Asperger’s Syndrome took 17 cases to appeal and not one appeal was declined. Why should people who clearly need help be forced routinely to appeal their first assessment decisions?
The report was picked up by Brighton & Hove News, The Argus, and local MP Caroline Lucas.
What next?
Healthwatch raised our findings with Brighton and Hove Council, both at the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC), who look at how related services might jointly provide better health services, and the Adults Safeguarding Board (SAB), who work together to empower and protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community. At our meeting with SAB they were understandably concerned by the issues we raised and have offered to organise a meeting with the two organisations responsible for delivering these assessments, ATOS (for PIP*) and MAXIMUS (for ESA**). Healthwatch will push for this to happen to ensure that these providers are answerable to the community they serve.
Healthwatch worked extensively with local organisations to gather first hand evidence from individuals who have been through these assessments and we wish to think all of those who contributed to this insightful report.
*Personal Independence Payment (PIP) **Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
For the full report please go to the Healthwatch Website
