Mental Health Solicitors

Mental health charity Mind has responded to a government report recognising the negative impact that benefit sanctions have on people suffering from mental illness.

The report published on Tuesday by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says that the use of benefit sanctions needs to be addressed.

The PAC – a cross-party group of MPs – urges the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to review the use of sanctions, which “have increased in severity in recent years and can have serious consequences”.

Responding to the report, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Mind, Ayaz Manji, said:

“We welcome this report which recognises the negative impact that benefit sanctions have on people with mental health problems – and which urges the government to do more to understand their impact. Stopping or threatening to stop someone’s benefits when they’re too unwell to work is cruel, inappropriate and ineffective at helping them back into employment.

Now is the time for a meaningful overhaul of the benefits and back-to-work system that focuses on support rather than sanctions. Many people with mental health problems tell us they fear their benefits will be stopped when they can’t do what they’re asked to do.”

Mind argue that this punitive approach to benefits sanctions plays into individuals mental illness, making them more unwell and thus less likely to be fit for work. This approach is based on the assumption that taking away people’s money will motivate them to work.

“Most people who are out of work due to their mental health don’t lack motivation and want to work – but face lots of barriers in getting into and staying in employment. We want to see an end to the use of sanctions for people with mental health problems.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.