The DWP is proposing to charge claimants for taking part in social security tribunals! This information has come from an 80 page document prepared by DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) Civil Servants for the Government. According to reports in the Guardian and Telegraph Newspapers, the policy was withheld whilst the Government fought Unison in the Courts to see if their decision to charge for employment tribunals would be upheld, which it has been. The policy document makes it clear that the income generated won’t benefit the DWP, nor will it improve efficiency for the Department, but it will generate income for the Ministry of Justice department, or rather it would if it was an idea that had any real credibility.

As I wrote yesterday, according to Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the safety net which Benefits system is intended to be, has been ripped apart. This accusation was responded to in anger by people close to Iain Duncan Smith and David Cameron. It is hard to find a better example than this to illustrate his point. This is not a story from some disaffected Priests, but instead a serious suggestion that has been circulating Government since a DWP official first had the idea and then was asked by their Manager to write a proposal. The fact that someone could turn this very simple if twisted idea into an 80 page proposal explains a great deal about the world that exists away from the efficiencies and creativity of the private sector or the charitable sector. Eighty pages to explain that if people who have been denied the safety net to which they believe they are entitled, that the Government will charge them to appeal the decision. This is the safety net that is supposed to catch people who will otherwise hit the ground, due to their circumstances. These are people who are in all probability relying on foodbanks and similar schemes to avoid becoming one of the 1000’s in this country suffering from malnutrition. I wonder if the Manager who presumably authorised a member of staff to develop this ‘bright idea’ into an 80 page proposal needs some form of retraining? Perhaps they like Ministers, need to visit a Foodbank. I have nothing more to write  – it is just too bizarre!