With so many flaws in the current system we predict the number of people who come to us for advice on this benefit will only continue to increase”
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Gillian Guy, Chief Executive (Citizens Advice Bureau)
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Since ESA was introduced (October 2008) the Citizens Advice Bureau has been monitoring its impact. The CAB is concerned about the poor level of knowledge of ESA rules among Jobcentre Plus and DWP medical staff. It is also concerned about the inadequate administration systems and the crude nature of the work capability assessment (use our search function to see our previous comments about the WCA and Atos Healthcare).
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The Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) across England and Wales dealt with 6% more benefit problems between April-June 2010, compared to the same period last year. New figures indicate that in the first quarter of the financial year (2010/11) the total rise in welfare benefit(s) queries was due to large increases in advice on sickness and disability benefits.
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) rose 77% (from 25,528 problems in Q1 09/10 to 45,257 in Q1 10/11).
- Carers Allowance rose 17% (from 11,558 problems in Q1 09/10 to 13,488 in Q1 10/11).
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) rose 11% (from 98,380 problems in Q1 09/10 to 108,742 in Q1 10.11)
Citizens Advice Bureau press article
