William Eichler 21 October 2019

DWP admits overestimating number of disabled people due benefit refunds

The Department for Work and Pensions has overestimated the number of sick and disabled people due benefit refunds.

An error, dating back to 2011, meant that hundreds of thousands of recipients of the Employment and Support Allowance had been paid too little.

It was calculated that 210,000 people would get refunds totalling £920m.

However, the DWP now believes that the department miscalculated. Just 120,000 people will now receive back payments totalling £610m.

A DWP spokesperson said: ‘These figures show we are making good progress towards ensuring everyone receives the benefits they are entitled to and no one loses out.

‘Our dedicated team of 1,100 specialist staff have reassessed more than 500,000 claims and we have paid arrears for all cases found to be affected.’

The shadow minister for disabled people Marsha de Cordova described the mistake as ‘disgraceful’.

 

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Assistant Director Strategy & Community Regeneration

Newcastle City Council
£100,592 - £106,591 per annum
Newcastle is a city fast gaining a reputation for its innovation and progress. Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Recuriter: Newcastle City Council

Contract Management and SRM Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Strengthen how we manage our contracts, build lasting supplier partnerships and deliver value for our residentsStrengthen how we manage our contracts, England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Play Ranger

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £47,229 (pro rata for part time post)
Play Ranger£38,97... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Temporary Accommodation Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £47,229 per annum
As with many other Boroughs in the capital, tackling homelessness is a high priority. The Temporary Accommodation Procurement Officer will be required to source new business to increase the supply of properties based on the demand by building relationship 90 Putney Bridge Road, Twickenham
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner