A claimant in the Western Isles faces being left without benefits he may be entitled to for weeks – just because of where he lives.
Controversial contractor Atos Healthcare has admitted it has been unable to arrange a work capability assessment for him in time – even though he has been waiting for it since November last year.
That will undoubtedly mean the claimant being left at least four weeks without benefits.
The man claimed for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) in September 2012 and has been waiting since November 2012 for Atos to carry out the assessment. His entitlement to contribution-based ESA ends on 30 September but Atos say that they cannot carry out the work until week commencing 21 October.
Angus MacNeil MP confirmed the fiasco was brought to his attention by Lewis Citizens Advice Bureau, which has been trying to resolve the problem for the man. The MP said what had happened was a shocking example of the system failing.
He said: “Atos has claimed that the delay in carrying out the Work Capability Assessment is due to our remote location. I do not accept this.
“It is obvious that my constituent has been lost in the system and she now faces the prospect of financial hardship because of the lack of care shown. This whole situation is upsetting and stressful for my constituent and it is unacceptable that she should have to suffer because of a delay created by Atos. I have written to Atos to convey my disappointment at the way in which my constituent has been treated and to request that urgent action be taken to resolve this matter.”
The MP has complained directly to Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary.
Mr Macneil then suggested a Yes vote in the referendum may prevent such scandals, adding: “An independent Scotland would be able to set its own course when it comes to welfare and create a system that reflects the priorities and values of people in Scotland.
“Only a Yes vote in next year’s referendum will give us the opportunity to do that and ensure that no more damage is done by Westminster’s mismanagement of the welfare system.”
Is Mr Macneil more concerned about his constituents wellbeing or the opportunity for a soundbite!
Can’t imagine the welfare system would be any better under the SNP than it would be under Labour or the Tories. Imagine they would blame shortcomings under their predecessors.
You really think it’s easier to lobby London from Benbecula than it would be to lobby Edinburgh from Benbecula? Even just considering travel that adds several hundred pounds of money and lets say 2 more days travelling (if you’re capable of travelling).
For the Western Isles, the MP’s office is in… wait for it… London. The MSP for the Western Isles is in… Stornoway.
I don’t think ANYone is suggesting a land of milk and honey but it WILL bring the centre of power much closer to the people of Scotland.
http://hat4uk.wordpress.com/2013/09/26/miliband-the-confused-commissar-out-for-the-count-and-in-for-a-pasting/ One for Macneil to ponder.
Yet again This just proves how inept this system really is! I cannot still understand why a french company are in charge of the situation, that leaves disabled members of our society in such need. I am registered disabled and my own case took over 12 months to resolve, thank God my wife was working or I would of been in a terrible mess. I think the time as come for a Very close look at this diabolical state of affairs.