Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Accepted
Analyse potential impacts of new DWP policies on claimants and assess health implications.
Conclusion
As previously recommended in our report on Safeguarding Vulnerable Claimants, DWP should analyse the potential impacts of new policies or key policy changes on claimants that will be affected, including older people. This should include reviewing the capacity, data and processes it needs to do this effectively. As also recommended in that report, changes should be assessed by the Chief Medical Advisers’ team to understand the potential health impacts. (Recommendation, Paragraph 89)
Government Response Summary
The government states DWP already has a statutory duty to analyse policy impacts, including on older people, and is actively strengthening this analysis. It confirms recommendations from a previous report are being addressed, a new safeguarding approach is under development, and it recognises the value of joint assessments with the Chief Medical Advisor.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Department has a statutory requirement to consider the Public Sector Equality Duty during the decision-making process, including analysing the impact of potential policies which includes older people. We note the Committee’s comments and can confirm that the Department’s Chief Analyst and Chief Scientific Adviser is already taking steps to further strengthen such analysis. The recommendations from the WPSC Safeguarding Vulnerable Claimants report have been taken seriously by the department. The Government’s consultation on Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper (www.gov.uk/government/consultations/pathways-to-work-reforming-benefits-and-support-to-get-britain-working-green-paper) included a question on a new DWP safeguarding approach. Following the consideration of the consultation findings and on conclusion of the Department’s current safeguarding review, the Government will set out its plans. DWP’s new approach to safeguarding will include a clear statement of intent to drive cultural change across all levels of the Department, renew the commitment to safeguarding, promote systems-based approaches, and define DWP’s role in supporting those with safeguarding needs. The Government also recognises the value of assessments of policy changes to be undertaken jointly, with the Chief Medical Advisor working alongside policy officials, to determine the relevance and appropriateness of input, in order to support the effective and efficient functioning of Government.