Fuck it - the government will look me

[Phonicshaskilledmeoff]

I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the way our country is run. I love my country, but what on earth can I do to fix it? the Rachel reeves pension and stamp duty rumours have tipped me over the edge.

I believe 90% of our lives is the summation of our own choices. Bar (some of) our own (and families) health and tragic life events, there is very little we can’t choose in this country.

I’m not saying that the playing field is fair - I absolutely acknowledge that some groups face structural barriers that make good choices harder. Others are unaware those choices even exist. That’s where government should step in—not to equalise outcomes, but to equalise access to meaningful choice.

I think we all acknowledge that bad governments are ones that take away choices. This government, however is also taking away choice by incentivising bad choices. Policies should nudge people toward self-sufficiency, not make state reliance easier than self-reliance, or rewarding short-term decisions over long-term

Our Government should be working towards equitable availability of choice (not equal - see below) to make sure those choices are as easy and available to everyone. Policies should be in place to make sure people are encouraged to make the right choices.

I increasingly feel like I make the right choices and think what was the bloody point!

I’m going to wish I never paid into my pension soon and went on holiday instead! Should I just spend my money, move into a smaller house and quit my job. At this point I think I’d be better off.

Jargon Buster - EQUALITY - It’s assumed there is a level playing field and everyone gets the same resources. EQUITY - Everyone gets what they need to succeed, which may mean different levels of support.

Recognising an issue?

Bloody well said 👏 👏👏👏👏

The motability system is abused by many.

And I have no objections to helping disabled people, my own mum is disabled and on PIP.

But I do object to people deciding they can’t work because they’re anxious and the DWP awarding them PIP without a F2F interview.

https://inews.co.uk/news/business/one-benefit-drivers-taxpayer-funded-car-scheme-3692927

The lack of face to face interviews is entirely down to how badly the DWP is run- I work in benefits support (also have very disabled DH) and have always been frustrated by the decline in F2F interviews and the completely inappropriate use of telephone assessments. I genuinely believe the system would be much better with proper assessments and save money in the long run yet since covid they have decided telephone is the way to go. I think its short sighted and the current issues they claim to have with too many people on PIP is actually their own fault to a huge extent.

We weren’t even given the choice when DD1 (16) was assessed earlier this year. We would have preferred a F2F interview! And in DD1’s case, her disability is even more obvious F2F, as she simply can’t answer questions herself in such situations, she looks to us to answer for her.

This is definitely very bad...must be fixed. Why has it got like this?

That is a bold claim. Care to back it up? With actual figures, and not anecdotes.

Did you see the post a bit above yours by the woman who works in benefits? From the CAB:

At the moment the DWP will try to do the assessment by looking at your medical evidence and talking to you over the phone or by video call.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/your-assessment/

Yes, she blames the system. You are blaming claimants.

I think if you make it easy for people claim PIP for being anxious, then many will take advantage of that.

It isn't easy though.
Someone claiming benefits that they are entitled to is not taking advantage of anything.

I'm afraid I disagree, the award rate is high. And I agree with Catknowsbest who says the below. No one has said people shouldn't claim what they're genuinely entitled to.

have always been frustrated by the decline in F2F interviews and the completely inappropriate use of telephone assessments. I genuinely believe the system would be much better with proper assessments and save money in the long run yet since covid they have decided telephone is the way to go. I think its short sighted and the current issues they claim to have with too many people on PIP is actually their own fault to a huge extent.

How does that translate into claimants abusing the system?

Yes, the whole assessment aspect needs looking into. Far too many people are turned down but win at tribunal. If they were properly assessed to begin with, a lot of time and money that goes into tribunals in court would be saved.
Also, people who get reassessed for conditions that will never improve. Waste of time and money having to explain to the DWP that their child's Down Syndrome will never be cured, or that their missing limb will never grow back.

That's poor. I have successfully pushed for F2F assessments for clients this year, but it was a real battle and only for 3. I insisted a telephone assessment simply would not be fair to evaluation of their needs; but it was an exhausting fight each time.

Yes indeed. Only 15-16% of all the Mandatory Reconsiderations I do are successful- yet my appeal success rate is 90%. However- when you consider it is currently taking approximately a year to get a hearing date, the impact on claimants and their carers and families is huge. The tribunal system is utterly overloaded. Occasionally I will get a decision before hearing but not frequently.