A HEALTH watchdog has warned that vulnerable people applying for new benefits are having their applications routinely declined.

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove said the claims are for Personal Independence Payments and Employment Support Allowance.

It claims to have found:

A lack of empathy

Assessors who seem to know little about common medical conditions

Advocates treated with disrespect

Reasonable requests such as a home visit declined without explanation

Benefit assessment reports contained factual inaccuracies and bore little resemblance to assessment interviews

An approach which is more about “catching people out” and declining claims rather than actively helping vulnerable people

David Liley, chief officer, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove, said: “There is concern in Parliament over the way vulnerable people are treated by the benefits assessment system.

“Here in the streets of Brighton and Hove we see the reality, decent people trying to live a good life but challenged by chronic ill health treated in a shocking and insensitive way.

“One local organisation helping people with high level autism and Asperger’s Syndrome took 17 cases in a row to appeal and not one appeal was declined.

“Why should people who clearly need help be forced routinely to appeal against their first assessment decisions?

“The cynical conclusion is that some folks will not have the capacity, ability or motivation to appeal and claimant numbers will fall.”

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove is now challenging those who provide these assessments to show they treat people with respect.

It is demanding underhand techniques are not used in assessments and an explanation for why almost everyone who appeals wins.

Its report says: “Assessments begin as soon as individuals arrive at the centre.

“Observed actions are subsequently included within final assessment reports.

“For example, if the person can walk from the lift to the assessment room then they are able to walk a certain distance, ignoring how slowly or painfully this occurred.

“Or if a person is seen raising their hand to their hair, or holding their handbag, or sipping water from a glass, then it is reported that the person can raise their arm implying they can carry out physical activity unaided.

“An assessor described an applicant as being happy and chatty yet this ignored the fact that the person’s mental health led them to become over accommodating to others.”