Report backs MP over benefits ‘spin’ claims

A NEW report has backed claims by Oldham Labour MP Debbie Abrahams that statistics are misused by the Department of Work and Pensions to create a negative view of people on benefits.

The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP and others have raised concerns about the controversial use of data by the department under the leadership of Iain Duncan Smith. The report by the Work and Pensions Select Committee criticised the department for a series of rule breaches in which statistics were used inaccurately or inappropriately.

These include the use of statistics to back claims the benefit cap had persuaded 8,000 people to get a job - when there was no evidence to support the claim.

Mrs Abrahams said: “Iain Duncan Smith clearly misuses statistics to further the Government’s ideological aim to demonise people on benefits, even though the majority of social security claimants are in work and struggling to make ends meet.

“Only someone who knows their arguments are weak, or that they are failing in their job, has to resort to misusing statistics to cover up the facts.”

The report also criticised the “unacceptable” delays disabled residents have faced while waiting to find out if they are eligible for benefits under the Personal Independence Payment, which has replaced Disability Living Allowance.