Johnny Timpson steps down in protest of the government’s treatment of disabled individuals and unpaid carers affected by benefit overpayments

Johnny Timpson, the UK’s first disability ambassador, has resigned from his position in protest against the government’s policy of reclaiming overpaid benefits, a practice he describes as “devastating” for families, especially those caring for members with dementia. This dramatic move underscores the ongoing challenges and systemic issues within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) concerning the treatment of disabled individuals and their carers.

Timpson’s decision was propelled by the distressing case of a 92-year-old dementia patient who was ordered to repay £7,000. The revelation of this case and others like it came just as the DWP’s disabilities minister Mims Davies and the director of fraud, error, and debt strategy, Vikki Knight, were preparing to address these issues before the work and pensions committee.

The core of the problem, according to Timpson, lies in the benefits system’s complexity and reliance on recipients to identify overpayments. “When you’re dealing with someone in your household who’s got dementia… that’s a big heavy caring ask, so that carer has a lot going on in their life,” Timpson told the BBC. He noted that the ongoing stress and responsibility make it nearly impossible for carers to navigate the intricate details of their benefit entitlements.

The issue of overpayments is exacerbated by their duration; often continuing for years without correction, placing undue financial strain on individuals who have given up employment to provide care and lack the means to repay these debts. Timpson criticized the government for its lack of alignment with other regulated sectors in the UK, which typically have protocols to identify and protect vulnerable customers from such predicaments.

Highlighting the broader implications of this policy, Timpson pointed out the significant burden placed on the healthcare system, with about 20% of GP appointments taken up by issues related to financial health. He advocated for the appointment of a disabilities commissioner and proposed that welfare payments should be managed separately from the DWP’s current responsibilities.

In response to Timpson’s resignation and criticisms, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey expressed solidarity, stating that the treatment of unpaid carers under the current system is “scandalous.” Davey called for urgent reforms to the Carer’s Allowance system and emphasized the need to support carers rather than penalize them.

The DWP responded by reaffirming its commitment to fairness in the welfare system and stated that it has safeguards for managing repayments. However, the spokesperson emphasized that claimants are responsible for informing the DWP of any changes in their circumstances that could affect their benefits, asserting the necessity of recovering taxpayer money when discrepancies occur.

This resignation and the ensuing debate highlight significant tensions in the UK’s approach to social welfare, particularly concerning the support and treatment of some of its most vulnerable citizens.