CPAG calls for greater decision-making in the benefits system

8.02.10

Responding to the Work and Pensions Select Committee report, Decision making and appeals in the benefits system.

Imran Hussain, Head of Policy for Child Poverty Action Group, said today:

"The Work and Pensions Select Committee highlights the desperate need for fairer and faster decision-making to improve benefit delivery and take up. Millions of households are missing out on vital benefits at the same time as substantial cuts to welfare provision are being made.

"Rather than spending money on expensive and high profile adverts combating benefit fraud even though it's at record low levels, the DWP should focus its resources on getting its decisions right and encouraging some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society to claim their entitlements."

Notes for editors

• CPAG is the leading charity campaigning for the abolition of child poverty in the UK and for a better deal for low-income families and children.
• Child Poverty Action Group’s manifesto, published in March 2009, can be found at: www.cpag.org.uk/manifesto
• CPAG is one of over 150 member organisations of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, campaigning for public and political commitment to ensure the goals of halving child poverty by 2010 and ending child poverty by 2020 are met.
• For up-to-date background facts and stats on UK poverty, visit: www.cpag.org.uk/povertyfacts/

For further information please contact:
Kuntal Biswas
CPAG Policy, Rights and Advocacy Team
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
kbiswas@cpag.org.uk