Debbie blasts Government on benefits report

OLDHAM MP Debbie Abrahams has criticised the Government for “conveniently” delaying the release of a vital report.

The MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth believes the social security sanctions report was put out on the last day of Parliament to avoid scrutiny.

The report featured the results of an inquiry by Matthew Oakley into changes to the benefits system.

Mrs Abrahams said: “The DWP conveniently published the Oakley report on the last day of Parliament, preventing it being discussed in the House before the summer recess. Ministers in the DWP have a track record of using every trick in the book to avoid being held to account. Once again, it looks as though Ministers have something to hide.”

The report highlights problems in the way the Government administers and imposes benefit sanctions, including disproportionate burdens on the most vulnerable - something Mrs Abrahams has raised in Parliament several times.

“The report also found the way in which the DWP communicated with claimants was legalistic, unclear and confusing,” she added.

“The most vulnerable claimants were often left at a loss as to why benefits were stopped and frequently not informed by the DWP about hardship payments to which they were entitled. It also revealed serious flaws in how sanctions were imposed.”