UK benefits system is broken, says SNP MSP Bob Doris

More than two thirds of people faced being wrongly denied social security benefits, according to new figures.

The findings have prompted calls for a fresh review of the assessment and appeals process used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Official government figures show 70% of people at risk of losing their entitlements who took the decision to a hearing had their cases overturned.

There were 51,256 appeals in the last three months of 2018.

Of these, 41,171 (80%) went to a hearing. And 70% of these cases finished in favour of the claimant – up 5% on the previous year’s figures.

Critics say new benefits introduced by the DWP – Employment Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment – have driven the increase in cases being overturned.

SNP MSP Bob Doris said: “These figures are extremely concerning, and expose a system that should provide a safety net making too many mistakes.

“The UK government’s welfare system simply isn’t working.

“Appealing a decision can put undue stress on vulnerable people, who are in the meantime left out of pocket and potentially unable to afford basic essentials.”