Senior DWP Officials Face Parliamentary Fury Over Carer's Allowance Scandal
The Department for Work and Pensions has come under severe parliamentary fire following revelations about the Carer's Allowance scandal, which has impacted an estimated 134,000 unpaid carers across the United Kingdom. Senior officials, including DWP chief Sir Peter Schofield, faced a rigorous grilling from the Work and Pensions Select Committee, with MPs condemning what they described as "absolutely unacceptable behaviour" within the department.
MPs Condemn Systemic Failures and Vague Responses
During the committee session, Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, who chairs the committee, directly challenged Sir Peter Schofield on the department's handling of the issue. She referenced a damning report that highlighted a "massive failure of culture, let alone competence" within the DWP. Abrahams demanded an explanation for how such widespread failures could occur, emphasising that the situation was utterly unacceptable for those affected.
In response, Sir Peter Schofield offered an apology for the department's mistakes regarding Carer's Allowance. He expressed a determination to "make a difference" and rectify the errors, stating, "We are changing, we are making a difference. We got that wrong. Sorry that we got that wrong." However, his assurances were met with scepticism from committee members.
Financial Strain and Personal Hardship for Carers
The scandal, which came to light in 2024, involves the government seeking to recover overpayments from more than 134,000 carers. Many of these individuals have reported significant financial hardship as a result. Some have told the BBC that sudden demands for repayment—sometimes amounting to thousands of pounds—have placed them under immense financial strain. In extreme cases, the pressure has forced carers to quit their jobs, exacerbating their personal and economic difficulties.
Criticism of Vague Promises and Lack of Concrete Action
Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling pressed Sir Peter Schofield on the specifics of the cultural and managerial changes being implemented within the DWP. Darling expressed concern that the department's responses lacked substance, famously remarking, "You are giving me a lot of blancmange that I’m finding it difficult to nail to the ceiling." He questioned what clear evidence existed of genuine management change, suggesting that the department's approach remained inadequate.
Schofield defended the DWP's efforts, highlighting initiatives to improve communication, embed core values, and provide better tools for staff. He asserted, "We’ve got a great track record of putting things right when things go wrong. This is a department that when it knows we have to get things right we put it right." Despite these claims, MPs remained unconvinced, calling for more tangible reforms to prevent future scandals and support vulnerable carers effectively.
