As the UK Government continues to attribute rising disability benefit claims to an increase in claimants rather than systemic failures, Stripy Lightbulb CIC is proud to unveil a collaborative campaign that offers a clear, evidence-based alternative. Our new strategic framework, Enhancing the Benefit Assessment Process for Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), demonstrates what welfare reform should look like: person-centred, condition-informed, and fiscally responsible.
Over the past five years, the number of people claiming health-related benefits with no requirement to work has increased by 800,000 , a 45% rise since 2019/20. This is not due to a sudden surge in disability, but rather increased awareness, DWP and Jobcentre guidance, and rightful access to support. These individuals are entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and their claims reflect need, not fraud – which remains at 0.0% for PIP (Disability benefit fraud is so low the DWP’s own statistics round it down to 0.00%)
Despite repeated offers from Stripy Lightbulb CIC, and other condition-specific organisations, to support the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with tailored, lived-experience-informed solutions, we have been told that advice from social enterprises, charities and other third-sector organisations is not accepted to “avoid bias”. Yet, when it comes to M.E., both NICE and the Government have acknowledged a lack of knowledge among NHS healthcare professionals. If not from us, the experts in lived experience, where is the DWP sourcing its guidance?
After months of Freedom of Information requests, we have reviewed the DWP’s in-house training on M.E. The result is deeply concerning: a substandard, inaccurate portrayal of the condition that fails to reflect current medical understanding or the realities of those living with M.E.
The cost of ignoring expert input is not just human, it’s financial. In 2023/24 alone, the DWP spent £28.1 million challenging PIP appeals at tribunal, despite losing 69% of those cases. Add to that £22.9 million on mandatory reconsiderations, and the total exceeds £50 million, money that could be saved through a more accurate, compassionate, and effective assessment process.
Stripy Lightbulb CIC’s framework offers a better way forward. By implementing a progressive, person-centred strategy, the DWP could significantly reduce appeals, legal cases, and tribunals, helping towards meeting its £5 billion savings target without pushing disabled and chronically ill people further into poverty.
The time has come for the DWP to change course. The PACE trial, part-funded by the DWP and health insurance companies, has already cast a long shadow over M.E. policy. We urge the Government to embrace reform that is not only just, but economically sound.
Click here for everything you need to know about our M.E. Assessment Framework initiative.
We’d be grateful if you could help us to put pressure on MPs to vote against the proposed welfare cuts. We’ve put some social media post templates and images for you to use and help us to spread the word about our new M.E. Benefits Assessment Framework.
Click here for template social media posts and shareable images.
Thank you from all at Stripy Lightbulb CIC.
