The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is under intense scrutiny after a scandal emerged involving the wrongful demand for repayment of Carer’s Allowance from over 134,000 unpaid carers across the UK. This has sparked condemnation from Members of Parliament, who described the situation as “absolutely unacceptable behaviour.”
At a recent Select Committee hearing, DWP chief Sir Peter Schofield was criticized for evasive answers, described by Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling as “a lot of blancmange,” highlighting the frustration over the department’s handling of the crisis. The scandal, first revealed in 2024, saw carers suddenly required to repay thousands of pounds, causing significant financial distress and forcing some to leave their jobs.
Debbie Abrahams, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, pressed Schofield on the department’s “massive failure of culture and competence,” demanding an explanation. Schofield offered an apology, acknowledging mistakes and expressing a commitment to reform: “We are changing, we are making a difference. We got that wrong. Sorry that we got that wrong.”
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MP Steve Darling further challenged Schofield on the steps being taken to transform the department’s culture and management. Schofield responded that improvements would focus on equipping staff with better tools and enhancing communication, anchored in core values such as care, delivery, adaptability, and respect.
Yet Darling remained skeptical, pointing out a lack of tangible evidence about real change: “You are giving me a lot of blancmange that I’m finding it difficult to nail to the ceiling.”
In response, Schofield highlighted the DWP’s history of correcting errors when identified, emphasizing the department’s commitment to rectifying issues: “When we know we have to get things right, we put it right.”
The controversy spotlights ongoing challenges within the DWP and raises questions about the department’s ability to improve its management and culture to better serve vulnerable citizens.