The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is requiring the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to improve its treatment of disabled benefit claimants in response to serious concerns about failures to meet the needs of its customers with mental health impairments and learning disabilities.
Disability campaigners had raised concerns with the Commission about the deaths of DWP customers in vulnerable situations, and an all-party group of MPs asked the EHRC in February 2021 to “undertake an investigation into the deaths of vulnerable claimants by suicide and other causes between 2008 and 2020”.
Throughout 2021, the EHRC questioned DWP officials about the concerns that its legal obligations to disabled customers were not being met.
It examined whether the DWP was making reasonable adjustments to its processes for people with mental health conditions and learning difficulties, as required under the Equality Act 2010.
The DWP then outlined the steps being taken to address the problems identified.
However, the EHRC has concluded that further action is necessary, given the seriousness of the issues.
It is now drawing up a legally-binding agreement with the DWP to commit them to an action plan to meet the needs of customers with mental health impairments and learning disabilities.
The EHRC said this legally-binding action plan is focused on resolving issues for DWP claimants, and offers a fast, effective means of redress, and helps to avoid lengthy investigations.
Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Marcial Boo, said: “The EHRC is committed to stamping out discrimination against all disabled people, including those with mental health conditions and learning disabilities whose needs can be overlooked.
“Government bodies often deliver essential services to vulnerable people. They must meet high standards and make reasonable adjustments for those who need them. The EHRC will hold them to account if they do not.”
He added: “This agreement with DWP will build on the improvements already taking place for disabled benefits claimants.
“We are pleased that officials are working cooperatively with us to address our concerns, and we expect the binding legal agreement to be in place shortly. We will monitor its delivery.”
A Section 23 agreement has not been agreed or signed by the Department for Work and Pension
A DWP spokesperson said: “We are committed to providing a compassionate and responsive service to all our customers, and are constantly improving our processes to deliver consistently reliable and high quality standards.
“We have not so far identified any systemic unlawful action by the department. We will continue to work collaboratively towards our shared goals with the Commission, addressing their concerns and delivering for our customers.”
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