The news

airwave
airwave Member Posts: 579
edited 10. Aug 2010, 07:39 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi All,
I've been following the government news about the 'clean up' of the benefits system. It seems that 3/4 of new applicants are being turned down for Incapacity Benefits after submitting to 'fit to work' medical tests.

I do hope that those who truly need assistance are getting it and the tests are not being used as a magic wand for the treasuries sake. I have no doubt that people who are borderline on the day they have the test will fall outside the level required and be forced to appeal, we all know how unequal arther is in his treatment of us.

I also note that Experian, the credit rating company along with other private agencies, are going to conduct computerised tests on benefit and housing allowance claimants government accounts, household bills and credit card applications to check for fraud.

They are to be paid 5% of what they save in payments, so the more people that are identified as 'cheats' the more these companies will make. Save £100M get paid £5M, mmmmmm, I wonder why I'm cynical!

8) Its a smile, honest!

P.S. Grandad is getting cuddles and smiles now!

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,898
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Airwave

    I tend to think you are right though - I still think we should be doing more to raise the public's awareness of the issue.

    Glad Grandad is getting smiles and cuddles - lucky YOU :D

    Love

    Toni xx
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think people are awhere, at least to some degree but, are happy not to bother and just get on with their lives. Lots of people at the moment are worried about their own jobs and this climate of uncertainty breeds fear and that makes people worried and selfish.

    I'm not saying thats always true, but I remember when we had our first mortgage and the interest rates shot up over-night. Black Wednesday and all that and I know that at the time, I was so worried about how we could manage I didn't have time to think of others. Thats what fear does to you, makes you stay in your own litttle shell and only worry about yourself. I hope I'm wrong.

    Love Sue