A group of senior MPs have backed calls for a public inquiry into “failings” in the benefit system as the new Tory welfare chief set out her vision today.
The Westminster leaders of the Lib Dems, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party have demanded a public inquiry into failings in the benefit system.
The leading MPs backed calls from Rethink Mental Illness, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and charities including Disability Rights UK, Liberty, Inquest and the MS Society.
In a letter to Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith they said despite “internal process reviews” of deaths or serious harm tripling to 179 in the last three years, “we believe many cases are being missed”.
They added: “A public inquiry is vital to learn the lessons from death and serious harm linked to the social security system and stop further harm.”
Families affected by deaths of people claiming benefits said they asked for a meeting with previous welfare chief Therese Coffey last summer, but did not get one.
Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: “The benefits system was set up to keep people safe and provide a safety net when they are unable to work or struggling to make ends meet.
"But too often it fails in this most basic objective, often denying people the support they desperately need and acting as a force of harm and distress in their lives.
"The DWP must stop focusing its energy on avoiding scrutiny and instead openly and honestly show that it is learning from its mistakes.
"The department must publish hidden reports on harms of the benefits system, launch a public inquiry and meet bereaved families to give them the answers they deserve. Most importantly, we must see real change – warm words will not save lives.”
In her first keynote speech on Thursday, Ms Smith signalled benefit sanctions could be ramped up further by the Tory government.
Reforms will already force low-paid claimants to look for at least 15 hours’ work a week - up from nine previously - to qualify for benefits. The mini-Budget signalled a further crackdown to come.
Ms Smith said there will be “stronger incentives” and “clearer expectations on people to move into work and increase their hours”.
“Ultimately the welfare system has always had a bottom line,” she said.
“If people don’t engage, if people don’t keep their promise in the claimant commitment, then they’re not holding up their end of the bargain and benefits can be reduced.”
Ms Smith said those being pushed to work could include those who are long-term sick - who have hit a record high of 2.5million.
“In each case they might be held back from securing a fulfilling job that they want,” she added.
However, she insisted she would also “protect the most vulnerable”.
Ms Smith “challenged” firms to roll out more occupational health, including for mental illness, to create “a new Britain focused on growth”.
She said bosses should invest in their staff’s help “in return for the Government helping businesses to fill their vacancies”.
Ms Smith also signalled Britain could relax post-Brexit immigration rules to get more foreign workers into shortage jobs.
Chloe Smith said her “focus” was “getting British people” into work - but added “I think there is a role for some migration”.
Vowing to “strike a balance”, the Work and Pensions Secretary told a Q&A at the Policy Exchange think tank: “There will be some skilled roles that cannot immediately be filled.”
It comes after reports Liz Truss will bump up the number of jobs on a ‘shortage’ list. Vacancies are at a near-record high of 1.2million.
Meanwhile Ms Smith she was unable to say if there would be more U-turns over the mini-Budget, saying: "I'm not in a position to answer your question.”
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “The welfare system provides a safety net for millions of people every year and our priority is they get the benefits to which they are entitled promptly and receive a supportive and compassionate service.
"In the vast majority of cases, this happens, but when, sadly, there is a tragic case we take it very seriously. In those circumstances, it's absolutely right we carry out an internal review to check if the correct processes were followed and identify any lessons learned to inform future policy and service.”
