People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

Whether called, invited or whatever terminology is used, the advice is to seek help.

Why the hell would people need legal help for something they volunteered for ?

There is very big difference between being 'called in' (this would imply a person is under investigation) and being invited to participate in a research program

[RichardCoulter]

I have received this back after passing on the FOI reply from APR:

"Thank you, we are aware of this. Now that the DWP have broken their wall of silence, it has been confirmed that this is voluntary and people cannot be sanctioned for refusing to take part.

However, those that choose to take part are still advised to seek help from experts in benefit law so that they can make an informed choice and be aware of any potential pitfalls".

Being "called in" does not always imply that a claim is being investigated by BIO, RABITS etc.

[techguyone]

lol backtrack backtrack backtrack - you'll be running into yourself one of these days.

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by techguyone

lol backtrack backtrack backtrack - you'll be running into yourself one of these days.

Nonsense, there were fears by welfare rights experts much more qualified than either of us that this was a very worrying development for those on Carers Allowance & ESA, particularly as the DWP refused to answer questions put to them to ally peoples fears.

It was correct and necessary to alert people to this to enable them to have their say and mobilise opposition if these fears were realised.

Don't forget that the Cameron Government actually considered scrapping Carers Allowance altogether, the massive opposition from disabled people & their carers probably helped to get this consideration scrapped before it became policy.

The advice given in post 92 still stands as any information gleened from any meeting, no matter how voluntary, is likely to be used against them IMO.

In the thread linked to, people are being watched and studied before the official meeting has even started...

I hope that after making such a song and dance about it, you now accept that I am not on ignore as previously claimed and will be making pertinent contributions wherever possible.

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

Nonsense, there were fears by welfare rights experts much more qualified than either of us that this was a very worrying development, particularly as the DWP refused to answer questions put to them to ally peoples fears.

It was correct and necessary to alert people to this to enable them to be alerted, have their say and mobilise opposition if these fears were realised.

Don't forget that the Cameron Government actually considered scrapping Carers Allowance altogether.

The advice given in post 92 still stands.

what absolute and complete codswallop .Nothing that you have said was happening has actually happened ,all that has happened is that volunteers have been used to test new procedures to make sure they actually work .Nobody has been "called in" nobody needs to "seek legal advice" and you really need to stop your constant scaremongering

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by martyh

what absolute and complete codswallop .Nothing that you have said was happening has actually happened ,all that has happened is that volunteers have been used to test new procedures to make sure they actually work .Nobody has been "called in" nobody needs to "seek legal advice" and you really need to stop your constant scaremongering

- The two way mirrors etc are to be used.

- The DWP have taken months to confirm that this is both voluntary and that negative sanctions will not be applied for failing to take part. It's interesting to note that they did not do this in a timely fashion and then only when obliged to do so after a FOI request.

- These requests for people to attend are happening.

- The reasons given as to why advice should be sought from those who decide to participate have been clearly explained.

Posts 92 & 94 fully clarify the position.

Let me be clear on this, the warning about constant bickering applies to ALL topics.

There will not be any further warnings on this, if you lot cannot stop this constant childish behavior, you will all be suspended. We have had enough of it.