Wednesday 22 May 2024
Today we have launched an investigation into the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions over concerns about the treatment of some disabled benefits claimants.
We suspect that successive Secretaries of State, may have broken equality law in their roles as Minister response for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The investigation will focus on whether the DWP has failed to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people with learning disabilities or long-term mental health conditions during health assessment determinations for the following assessments and benefits:
- Work Capability Assessment (WCA) for:
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and
- Universal Credit (UC)
- PIP Assessment for:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Alongside the investigation, we are also assessing the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions' compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) when developing, implementing and monitoring policy guidance relevant to health assessment determinations.
As part of the investigation, we will be asking stakeholders to share relevant evidence about interactions with the DWP.
Read about our investigation and assessment and how we will collect evidence
Read the full Terms of Reference for the investigation and assessment
Read an Easy Read summary of why we are doing this investigation and assessment
Find out more about us by visiting our websiteEquality and Human Rights Commission Third floor, Windsor House, 50 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0TL
Find out more about us by visiting our website
The above information is from News from the Equality and Human Rights Commission Newsletter EHRC launches investigation and assessment into the DWP Wed 22/05/2024