Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Not Addressed
EHRC formal investigation into DWP’s treatment of disabled claimants is currently ongoing.
Conclusion
We note that in April 2022, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and DWP were working to improve DWP’s treatment of disabled benefit claimants in accordance with a legally binding section 23 agreement. We further note that the EHRC launched a formal investigation into DWP in May 2024, which is considering if DWP failed to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people with learning disabilities or long-term mental health conditions during health assessment determinations, and that as of April 2025, this investigation is ongoing. It is essential that the investigation be allowed to run its course, and at this point we do not wish to make any conclusions and recommendations that anticipate findings of that investigation. However, once those findings have been made, this may be an issue that the Committee wishes to scrutinise further. (Conclusion, Paragraph 18)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses its openness to a statutory safeguarding duty, consultation findings, and a future statement on DWP's new safeguarding approach, without directly addressing the Committee's conclusion about the ongoing EHRC investigation or its decision to defer recommendations.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government is open to the introduction of a statutory duty to safeguard vulnerable customers and acknowledges the importance of a system-wide approach to ensure consistency, transparency and accountability across Government. As previously shared with the Committee, the Government has recently completed the consultation on the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, on a new DWP safeguarding approach. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will make a statement to the House in the Autumn, following the consideration of the consultation findings and on conclusion of the Department’s current safeguarding review, setting out DWP’s new approach to safeguarding. This 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.