DWP agrees to test new approach in latest sign of softer approach to sanctions | Disability News Service

Last Updated: October 27, 2017By

Ministers are to test a new approach to dealing with claimants who breach strict benefit conditions for the first time, in the latest sign that the government is finally listening to calls to soften its much-criticised sanctions regime.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has agreed to trial handing out warnings instead of benefit sanctions when a claimant breaches the conditions imposed on them for the first time.

It is one of five recommendations made in February’s report by the public accounts committee (PAC) on benefits sanctions, all of which have been accepted by ministers, according to a document sent by the Treasury to the committee earlier this month.

It is the latest sign that years of campaigning by disabled activists and anti-austerity protesters aimed at raising awareness of the harshness of the sanctions regime might finally be paying off.

Source: DWP agrees to test new approach in latest sign of softer approach to sanctions


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3 Comments

  1. Jeffrey Davies October 28, 2017 at 5:25 am - Reply

    hmmmm do you really think theyl change their spots

  2. marcusdemowbray October 28, 2017 at 7:23 am - Reply

    We have to be grateful for small mercies but at least if is a tiny step in the right direction

  3. Barry Davies October 28, 2017 at 1:48 pm - Reply

    It would be easy to cut sanctions, remove the personal fiscal advantage from the dwp workers, and their league tables of who has sanctioned the most people.

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