Several MPs have called for a public inquiry over claims of 'failings' in the benefit system. The move is described as being necessary to 'stop further harm'.
The public inquiry has been called for by the Westminster leaders of the Lib Dems, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party, reports Lancs Live. They're in support of calls from Rethink Mental Illness, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and charities like Disability Rights UK, Liberty, Inquest and the MS Society.
They claim that despite “internal process reviews” of deaths or serious harm tripling to 179 in the last three years, they "believe many cases are being missed”. They addressed the letter to Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith.
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They added: "A public inquiry is vital to learn the lessons from death and serious harm linked to the social security system and stop further harm.” Last summer, families affected by deaths of people claiming benefits said they asked for a meeting with previous welfare chief Therese Coffey - but did not get one, Mirror reports.
Mark Winstanley, chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: “The benefits system was set up to keep people safe and provide a safety net when they are unable to work or struggling to make ends meet. But too often it fails in this most basic objective, often denying people the support they desperately need and acting as a force of harm and distress in their lives.
"The DWP must stop focusing its energy on avoiding scrutiny and instead openly and honestly show that it is learning from its mistakes. The department must publish hidden reports on harms of the benefits system, launch a public inquiry and meet bereaved families to give them the answers they deserve. Most importantly, we must see real change – warm words will not save lives.”
On Thursday, Ms Smith signalled benefit sanctions could be ramped up further. Reforms will already force low-paid claimants to look for at least 15 hours’ work a week - up from nine previously - to qualify for benefits. The mini-Budget signalled a further crackdown to come.
In her speech, Ms Smith said there will be “stronger incentives” and “clearer expectations on people to move into work and increase their hours”. She said: "Ultimately the welfare system has always had a bottom line. If people don’t engage, if people don’t keep their promise in the claimant commitment, then they’re not holding up their end of the bargain and benefits can be reduced.”
Ms Smith said those being pushed to work could include those who are long-term sick - who have hit a record high of 2.5million. “In each case they might be held back from securing a fulfilling job that they want,” she added. However, she insisted she would also “protect the most vulnerable”.
Ms Smith “challenged” firms to roll out more occupational health, including for mental illness, to create “a new Britain focused on growth”. She said bosses should invest in their staff’s help “in return for the Government helping businesses to fill their vacancies”.
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