DWP Mandatory Reconsiderations

[charles shepherd]

DWP Mandatory Reconsiderations

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has set staff a target of upholding 80% of the benefit decisions that they are asked to reassess, it has been revealed.

In response to a Freedom of Information request, the department stated that a key measure used to monitor the performance of Mandatory Reconsiderations (the first step in the benefits appeals process) is that 80% of the original decisions are to be upheld.

It went on to confirm that between April 2016 - March 2017 staff exceeded that target with 87.5% of original decisions being maintained.

Full story here from politics.co.uk:

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2017/05/16/dwp-sets-80-benefit-appeal-rejection-target

Dr Charles Shepherd
Hon Medical Adviser, MEA

 

[Cheesus]

I'll never understand how you can justify setting any targets in relation to disability benefit claims. It assumes you know beforehand the percentage of legitimate claims, which makes no sense at all. Any target will almost certainly either harm people or waste money.

 

[Barry53]

There does seem to be a common operating mode recognisable here: Decide on a required outcome, then manipulate the process so it - magically - delivers the required outcome.

 

[SilverbladeTE]

I'll never understand how you can justify setting any targets in relation to disability benefit claims. It assumes you know beforehand the percentage of legitimate claims, which makes no sense at all. Any target will almost certainly either harm people or waste money.

oh the answer is DEAD bloody simple:

Corporate Fascist ideology, that's what it is ALL about.
Ethics, morality, actual efficiency/cost have NOTHING to do with it.

 

[mermaid]

I recently helped my son to appeal his PIP decision as he had very good written evidence to support him, including a report that enabled him to obtain Direct Payments for 28 hours a week of personal care.

He had to wait a very long time for the result of his Mandatory Reconsideration but I am even more relieved now to see that he was one of very few to have his Daily Living decision increased (they did not agree to give him the Mobility component at all though). However, without my help he probably would not have not succeeded, and so many applying for benefits find the system is set against them and it's too much for them to get the help in getting what they both need and deserve.

 

[Spindrome]

@charles shepherd Is this a good reason to submit a late appeal if you have missed the appeal deadline?

Thanks