A cross-party group of MPs has demanded urgent action to protect vulnerable benefit claimants. They highlight systemic failures linked to severe harm and even deaths. The Work and Pensions Committee insists these tragedies could have been avoided with proper safeguards.
For instance, Errol Graham, a mentally ill disabled man, starved in 2018 after his benefits stopped. Similarly, Philippa Day, a mother wrongly denied disability support, died from an overdose in 2019. Coroners found the DWP failed to address their struggles with a complex, unsupportive system.
The committee warns that cost-cutting priorities have eroded public trust. Many claimants report feeling traumatized by their interactions with the system. One person described it as “a system meant to help us instead choking us.”
Benefit sanctions and deductions frequently target those least able to cope. This pushes vulnerable individuals deeper into hardship. Debbie Abrahams, the committee chair, stresses the need for cultural change within the DWP. She argues the department must protect vulnerable benefit claimants better.
Since 2020, over 240 internal reviews examined deaths tied to DWP actions. Coroners have issued nine formal warnings since 2013. Yet, the true scale of harm remains unclear. The committee fears many cases go unreported.
To fix this, MPs propose an independent watchdog to investigate failures. They argue the DWP cannot fairly judge its own mistakes. Additionally, they want a legal duty to protect vulnerable benefit claimants.
Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, has shown openness to this idea. Advocates say such a law would force accountability and improve support. Mark Winstanley of Rethink Mental Illness agrees. He states the current system fails those with mental health struggles.
The DWP claims it is reforming safeguards through a public consultation. A spokesperson said the goal is to rebuild trust and ensure better support. They encourage feedback to shape a fairer system.
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