Too many decisions are being overturned leading to widespread criticism of how assessments are managed
An inquiry has been launched by MPs into why so many disability benefit decisions are being overturned on appeal.
The investigation by the Commons work and pensions select committee will also examine claims of dishonesty among healthcare professionals who carry out assessments on behalf of the government.
MPs will probe how the assessment procedure for PIP and employment and support allowance (ESA) are being handled by the private sector contractors Atos, Capita and Maximus.
Some 65% of appeals that reach the tribunal stage are successful for both PIP and ESA, while the number of appeals had risen by nearly 30% in the last year.
A previous evidence session heard claims of widespread dishonesty among assessors who have been known to be working towards targets to get people off disability benefits.
Frank Field, chair of the work and pensions committee, said: “Quite apart from the human cost this represents – the distress and difficulty for applicants trying to get help with daily living or getting into work – it looks to be wasteful, inefficient, and a huge cost to taxpayers.”
It comes as Maximus, one of the biggest contractors working on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions, announced that its contract to deliver the work capability assessment – which assesses eligibility for ESA – had been extended by the government by a further two years, until March 2020.
