DBC urges DWP to use stats with caution

9 February 2011

The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), of which Action for M.E is a member, has written to the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller, to ask if the misuse of DWP statistics has been challenged by her Department. The DWP released ‘campaign’ material which led to some elements of the media suggesting DLA was a ‘free for all’. Some disabled people have apparently referred the Mail to the Press Complaints Commission as a result of the coverage which the DWP appear to have contributed towards.

The timing of the DWP release has been questioned as well as the nature of the commentary. With a Welfare Reform Bill due next week disabled people are very worried that DWP statistics being misused to legitimise a harsh cut to a crucial source of support with over £2 billion to be slashed from DLA support by 2016.