The government has admitted that more than 30 secret reviews carried out following the deaths of benefit claimants called for improvements in how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) operates locally and nationally.
The “appalling” statistic has added to pressure on DWP to publish the reviews, and is the latest in a series of revelations to emerge through Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) requests, which disabled activists say “should be setting alarm bells ringing at Westminster”.
Last night (5 March), a member of the Commons work and pensions select committee demanded that DWP finally confirms what changes it has introduced as a result of the reviews, and reveals how many of those who died had had their benefits sanctioned.
Labour MP Debbie Abrahams said: “I have repeatedly asked for information from ministers and been met with a wall of silence.
“And that’s because, frankly, certain ministers have too much to hide and too much to lose.”
The latest FoIA figures featured in a Dispatches documentary on the government’s benefit sanctions regime, which was broadcast on 2 March on Channel 4.
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www.disabilitynewsservice.com/secret-dwp-reviews-called-for-improvements-after-benefit-deaths/