MPs debate WCA decisions, 6 September c.2pm

UKParliament

ani_26 wrote: »

It seems to me as though as though the horse has already bolted and the stable door firmly closed?

I'm not sure why there even was a debate, other than it can be said there was a debate in the HOC?

Hi ani 26

Thank you for your comments, we can sense your frustration around the issue. Debates are an important way that MPs can reflect public views on and experiences of a particular subject.

A Minister may, for example, be asked to look into a particular case on behalf of an individual member of the public and can write to the Member who raised the debate, or clarify Government policy on an issue.

Moreover, a debate may be part of a range of activities that take place in Parliament to help prioritise action on an issue. They may be aware of the technical aspects of that issue, but debates can raise an issue’s profile, and put pressure on the Government to take action as part of a broader campaign.

For example – the Scottish Affairs Select Committee has launched an inquiry into zero-hours contracts, a topic that was debated in the Commons back in July and has been a subject of wide-spread media coverage.

Best wishes
DOT

ani_26

House_of_Commons_Rep_(DOT) wrote: »

Hi ani 26

Thank you for your comments, we can sense your frustration around the issue. Debates are an important way that MPs can reflect public views on and experiences of a particular subject.

Only if they attend the debate?

House_of_Commons_Rep_(DOT) wrote: »

A Minister may, for example, be asked to look into a particular case on behalf of an individual member of the public and can write to the Member who raised the debate, or clarify Government policy on an issue.

Sheila Gilmore is quite welcome to correspond with me.

Unfortunately my MP, although they are a rebel shall we say, they are pro government policy regarding benefits.

House_of_Commons_Rep_(DOT) wrote: »

For example – the Scottish Affairs Select Committee has launched an inquiry into zero-hours contracts, a topic that was debated in the Commons back in July and has been a subject of wide-spread media coverage.

Best wishes
DOT

That is another shocking topic of discussion.

schrodie

I'm very uneasy when the government sends in their "representatives" to participate on public forums.

ani_26

schrodie wrote: »

I'm very uneasy when the government sends in their "representatives" to participate on public forums.

If the "MP's debate WCA Decisions" is seeking public opinion, they're not doing particularly well here, are they?


I suspect many claimants who are about to be affected by these new decisions, in particular, mandatory reconsideration, haven't got a clue.


The government isn't going to take any notice, in any case. They've already implemented other policies, regardless.


I think i'll just sit back and wait for the floodgates to open, when people realise their Esa has ceased?


Of course, this is designed, theoretically, for Dwp to get the decision right first time, as Dwp will argue the claimant is fit for work, in the first place.


I'll make my last question to the HOC completely direct. It requires a direct answer. Yes or no will be adequate.


Are the Appeals Changes for DWP Benefits and Child Benefit, to be implemented from 28th October 2013 inclusive?

ani_26

Silence is golden?


The House of Commons rep (DOT) # team, hasn't been seen since 1:13pm on 12-09-2013.

ani_26

Where is the House of Commons Rep (DOT)




Too busy to post? On holiday? Or maybe it's something of a Faux pas to be bring certain issues to public attention?



http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/member.php?u=2174809

lemontart

ok little confused, let me see if I have got it right

I am currently on assessment stage of esa and now awaiting outcome of es50 form completed and returned about 3 weeks ago. Fully expecting wrag given that most folk appear to be put on that regardless, though still awaiting tests/referrals etc for possible ME after neurologist all but ruled out MS - I have now been off work for around 9months with employers now awaiting gp report.

If they deem me fit for work dispite medics saying otherwise at present do I have to go back with employers also saying cannot go back at present or do I have to sign on for jsa for which I will not meet criteria either? whilst appealing? even though technically employed but off sick?

I simply do not understand the changes and would welcome a plain English explanation

ani_26

lemontart wrote: »

ok little confused, let me see if I have got it right

I am currently on assessment stage of esa and now awaiting outcome of es50 form completed and returned about 3 weeks ago. Fully expecting wrag given that most folk appear to be put on that regardless, though still awaiting tests/referrals etc for possible ME after neurologist all but ruled out MS - I have now been off work for around 9months with employers now awaiting gp report.

If they deem me fit for work dispite medics saying otherwise at present do I have to go back with employers also saying cannot go back at present or do I have to sign on for jsa for which I will not meet criteria either? whilst appealing? even though technically employed but off sick?

I simply do not understand the changes and would welcome a plain English explanation

I think there is going to be much confusion?


You are probably better posting on the benefits board, although i don't think many people realise the implications of the changes?


I'll do my best to answer your question for your circumstances, with my understanding of the changes. In plain english?! (but not necessarily with an ordered mind.) I'm assuming you are single?


You are awaiting your outcome from your ESA 50.



If the appeals process changes from 28th October 2013, and therefore, if you receive your outcome after 28th October? you will no longer be able to appeal any decision you disagree with, as the first port of call, as it were.


You will firstly have to ask for mandatory reconsideration. They say another advisor always did look at your claim, so it did go to reconsideration first of all, in any case.


If you are put in the WRAG, you won't have to return to work as such, in any case? it's just support to help you back into work.


If they deem you fit for work, you have one of three options.


1) Tell your employer you're fit for work and return to work?!


2) Ask for mandatory reconsideration, (as you won't be able to appeal without first of all going through this process,) during which time you will have nil income for an indeterminate length of time, as it would appear there is currently no time limit on mandatory reconsideration? Your benefit will cease during mandatory reconsideration.

Depending on the outcome of mandatory reconsideration, (of which there are 3 outcomes?) you may then be entitled to appeal, during which time your Esa will be reinstated at assessment rate. The whole process of which could take months, if not years, when the Dwp is involved?


The three outcomes being :-



1. revises favourably and issues a new outcome decision or



2. revises unfavourably and issues a new outcome decision or


3. refuses to revise, i.e. makes a decision not to revise (this is not an outcome decision)


A decision not to revise is not appealable, but its effect may be to renew the appeal rights arising from the original decision (see A3074).



3) - Apply for Job Seekers Allowance and say you are fit for work, (even if you're not / don't fit the criteria) whilst in the mandatory reconsideration period.





This is only my understanding from the information i've managed to find, see :-



https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4765082







No one is directly confirming this or the date of introduction.


My advice is NOT to apply for JSA during this process, if you are genuinely unfit for work, as it brings with it, more problems.


How you live with nil income, is your decision?


Don't shoot the messenger.

lemontart

thank you ani - for explaining it to me, sounds horrific if they deem me fit for work despite gp and employers stance at moment. Just a case of waiting for the tests/referrals and dwp to do what they do and take it from there.

ani_26

lemontart wrote: »

thank you ani - for explaining it to me, sounds horrific if they deem me fit for work despite gp and employers stance at moment. Just a case of waiting for the tests/referrals and dwp to do what they do and take it from there.

I'm no benefits expert, but i think i do understand what is happening and the subsequent implications.


It IS a waiting game. Just ask if you need more help. x


I posted the link to the new 14 step guide to appeal! :eek:


I feel for genuine claimants, welfare rights, cab, all advice services, support workers, cpn's, social services, food banks, even poor Jc+ , if this does come into effect on 28th October. It is going to impact on all services? I don't think even Jc+ are aware of what is about to hit, as esa claimants potentially change from esa to jsa and back to esa again. It's going to be a nightmare! It would appear Jc+ are receiving an "operational manual" a few days before. The mind boggles.................:eek: The pressure on already stretched services?

Spoke to two local JC+ regarding their views on the changes likely to come their way from 28 October.
First one did not have any thoughts as they are waiting for National Learning & Development Team to send them an ‘operational manual’. Asked about when this would be forthcoming from on high….probably a few days before…so they can brief their staff.
Second JC+ started a bit more hopefully as they had just had an over-view meeting this morning (I’ve got to admit I shuffled forward from my slumped position); ‘What potential pitfalls did they envisage?’….paused reply ‘no early warnings were raised at the meeting’ resumed slumped position.

Yes, i agree the system needs to be revised, but this is totally the wrong way of going about it? Wouldn't it be far simper to implement mandatory reconsideration and return esa claimants to assessment rate throughout MR? After all, esa assessment rate is the same amount as Jsa, so financially it makes sense. Even more so, administratively.


Far from wide-spread media coverage, this benefits reform seems to be the most closely guarded secret ever, and for good reason?




@ House of Commons Rep (DOT)


I do hope you're not off sick and experiencing the complex system which is called ESA, first hand? Presumably you receive SSP?