Government MPs Think Disabled Are Exempt from Bedroom Tax

The chair of the House of Commons Work and Pensions select committee says coalition MPs are oblivious to the bedroom tax's impact on disabled people. Dame Anne Begg claims "Many of the government's own backbenchers believe that disabled people living in houses specifically adapted for them are exempt. They aren't. They have to apply for a discretionary housing payment to make up the shortfall." Dame Anne also claims that there are a number of situations where the government's welfare reforms might even be costing the government more. Read more on 24dash.

IDS to Be Grilled By MPs over Misuse of Benefit Statistics

Back in May, it was reported that Iain Duncan Smith would be grilled by MPs over his misuse of benefit statistics and, after his latest crimes against data, the good news is that a date has now been confirmed.   In response to an email from Jayne Linney, who started a Change.org petition demanding parliament hold Duncan Smith to account, Anne Begg, the Labour chair of the work and pensions select committee, replied:

    ‘I can confirm that IDS will be appearing before the Work and Pensions Select Committee on Wednesday 4th September where he will be asked questions about the DWP’s Annual Report and the Department’s use of statistics.’

Read more on the New Statesman website.

Government Attacked Over Continued Failure to Define 'Vulnerable'

The Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting "vulnerable claimants" in its response to the Work and Pensions Select Committee report into Universal Credit.  But ministers have been criticised for their continued failure to provide a clear definition of what "vulnerable" actually means.

Dame Anne Begg MP, the Chair of the Committee, expressed disappointment at the Government's response.  "I am particularly disappointed that the Government has declined to accept our recommendation that it should develop and publish a clear definition of vulnerable groups. A great deal of discretion will be given to DWP staff to make decisions about who needs extra support. This creates the risk of people not being identified before they have fallen into hardship and debt.” Read more on 24dash.