THE SNP have said that the UK Government’s welfare system “simply isn’t working” after official figures revealed that 70% of claimants who challenged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) over benefits decisions had their cases overturned.

More than two-thirds of people who faced losing their benefit payments were found to be fully entitled to them.

Government figures showed that of 51,256 appeal disposals in the quarter up to December 2018, 41,171 – 80% – were cleared after going to a hearing.

Of the cases cleared following a hearing, 70% ruled in favour of the claimant, marking a 5% increase from last year.

New DWP benefits schemes, such as the controversial Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), have contributed to the increase in case overturn rates, rising by 5% and 4% respectively on rates from October to December 2017.

SNP MSP Bob Doris raised concerns that the DWP’s welfare system suffered from “fundamental flaws”.

“These figures are extremely

concerning, and expose a system which should provide a safety net making too many mistakes,” he said.

“The UK Government’s welfare system simply isn’t working.”

Doris went on to suggest that vulnerable claimants could suffer and be left without basic staples.

“Appealing a decision can put undue stress on vulnerable people – who are in the meantime left out of pocket and potentially unable to afford basic essentials.

“For the DWP to get these cases so consistently wrong is appalling – it suggests systematic hostility and suspicion of people in need of help.

“It’s vital that these fundamental flaws in the current assessment and appeals process are addressed,” he said.

In response, a DWP spokesperson said: “Only a small proportion of all decisions are overturned at appeal, however our aim is for every person to feel they are treated fairly and we are improving how we support

disabled people.

“This includes integrating the service that delivers PIP assessments and Work Capability Assessments to improve the process for millions of people claiming health-related benefits.

“It is a matter for the Scottish Government how they assess entitlement for benefits once they are

devolved to them.”

According to the DWP, rulings on PIP and ESA cases are made after considering information provided by the claimant, which can include supporting evidence from their GP or medical specialist.

Since PIP was introduced, there have been some 3.7 million decisions made.

A total of 5% of those cases have been overturned on appeal.

Official DWP figures show that of approximately 3.9m decisions on ESA, 8% were appealed and 4% overturned.

The DWP also said that they are in the process of developing a single digital system to simplify the assessment process that delivers PIP assessments and Work Capability Assessments.

However, Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn MSP Doris added that the differences between the Westminster Government and the Scottish Government were stark.

“Westminster’s punitive approach to welfare is needlessly withdrawing support from those who need it most,” he said

“This highlights the difference in Scotland’s approach to developing a social security system based on

dignity, fairness and respect.”