People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Those in receipt of Carers Allowance for looking after an ill or disabled person are to be called in to take part in a discussion of up to 12 people.

Their body language and facial expressions will be studied behind 2 way mirrors.

This is the company who have been awarded the contract:

http://www.thetalkingshop.co.uk/studios/

If you are called in to one of these meetings I advise you to seek Independent advice.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

If I was called into one of these meetings I wouldn't go. Full stop.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Link ??

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Just a bit of user research. Nothing to get worked up about.
So there's been one meeting at Liverpool Central Library and another one in Manchester. Seems to be an ongoing project to get opinions and feedback. The Twitter comments on the meetings are from a DWP employee, Rob Yates. Surveys are done all the time.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Nice bit of scaremongering Richard. :rolleyes:

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Yup the usual uninformed bolleaux from the op

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

A utter waste of a thread IMO....

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I had a feeling it would be like the Asda thread

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

All it took from me, was clicking the "Home" tab of the original link, go to the bottom of the page and then click on the Twitter link of "RobYates2010".

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Ah right so the OP's premise...

... isn't wholly accurate then. :confused: :rolleyes:

I wonder how many already desperate carers have their daily anxiety levels unnecessarily raised by stuff like this? Why would anyone want to post this sort of stuff?

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

It's a cynical attempt to scaremonger

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I was my wifes carer for years until she sadly passed away and I used to get a letter once a year to go into the job centre and have a chat with them. They were actually quite good and made sure that I was getting everything that I was entitled to and put me in touch with local groups that could help out including getting some respite now and then.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

:tu:

It's a pity stuff like this isn't publicised more but then that'd only show that the system isn't entirely geared up towards demonising and humiliating claimants.

We all know that life is getting tougher but there really is no need to sensationalise and exaggerate to make the point.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Sounds like it's trying to get feedback of a more general nature.
Eg

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Must be the first thread I've ever read where I agree with every reply :shocked:. I can't comment on the OP as he'll throw a hissy and I'm too busy this coming week to deal with all the emails.

Cheers

Grim

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

24 years a Carer, and I only once had a sit-down with the DSS.

And they wanted me off Carers Allowance and into full time employment.

So I asked when the Respite Care would be made available, plus full-time paid carer to replace me.

Interview ended.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

:tu:

It has to be said that full time carers not only save the state a fortune but all too often sacrifice their own lives, education, careers etc. to do so and are then left high a dry when their loved one dies or can no longer be cared for at home. Even getting limited respite care can be a big issue and if ever there were a false economy that would be it.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Excellent answer!!!

It's felt by many welfare rights organisations that the Government intend to use these interviews for their own ends.

If those on here are happy to participate, that's fine, but the advice to those who receive a letter remains the same: seek advice.

Just to confirm that I have never sent a single email to him, abusive or otherwise. There has, however, been an issue off the boards, which some of your colleagues are aware of.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Then provide a link otherwise it's just made up drivel

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Richard people on carers allowance have had these talks for years now my wife attends annually and the main point of the meeting has been if there was more that could be done for her. Your op was overly exaggerated bordering on scare mongering and until such time as the government announces changes that's what it will remain.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Couldn't have put it better myself.

When the Cameron Government mooted the scrapping of Carers Allowance to save money, there was uproar (for the very reasons you point out).

It's felt that these meetings are designed to obtain evidence to help with this outstanding aim.

If people think that this is scaremongering etc etc, so be it.

One of my roles is to feed advice on social policy, so I have a lot of public, private and voluntary links. None of them think that this is a good idea.

---------- Post added at 18:52 ---------- Previous post was at 18:48 ----------

This is different to the interviews where Carers are invited to meetings at the local Jobcentre to try to get them into work. I have had reports that some of these 'advisors' have been very good and I'm pleased that your wife was treated well, but this is not always the case.

The contract (link to provider in the initial post) has only just been awarded, so people can expect something to surface on the net or be in the news in the coming months.

Forewarned is forearmed and not scaremongering at all ;)

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Then give us some evidence

---------- Post added at 19:38 ---------- Previous post was at 18:53 ----------

You are scaremongering .You have provided no evidence that this is in anyway untoward or some 'secret plan' by the government.You stated in the first post that
" Their body language and facial expressions will be studied behind 2 way mirrors." giving no explanation and you continue to paint this as some bad thing so yes you are absolutely scaremongering,just the same as when you claimed Asda had a policy against gay people

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I can feel an ignore coming on.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

The "Their body language and facial expressions will be studied behind 2 way mirrors" is more a description of the facilities of the Manchester centre and not something that is going to be used in that situation. After all Liverpool Central Library was also used, and I doubt it has many 2 way mirrors. They are just available places to have a group meeting.

There is a whole section on the DWP website about user research.
Choose the location that will work best for each round of user research.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Correct. Deliberately misleading IMHO. It's the sign of a very warped mind when someone would deliberately stir up fear amongst those they claim to be supporting. It's quite obvious that some people rather like stirring up trouble and then playing the victim when called out. Luckily for everyone here, it's perfectly clear to see who has confidence to stand by their opinions and those who delude themselves that they can intimidate others into accepting the rubbish and bile they spout via the rep system they hide behind. Sad, sad, people... :nutter:

Now who'd be pathetic enough to do that I wonder?... :confused: ;)

Yes, ignoring trolls, the rubbish they post and the threads they create is the best way to hurt them. They only feel validated when people are paying attention to them and since they're so very inadequate, the only way they can get the what they crave is trolling. I suppose we should pity them and their empty lives really...

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

No sorry richard your wrong carer's have always had the option of one on one interviews or group sessions this is absolutely nothing new beyond perhaps a new company handling the contract. I've both looked myself and contacted some contacts of my own just to be sure on this for my own piece of mind and there are no new plans by the government in relation to carer's nor has there been any new programs initiated in relation to carer's. I spend a lot of my time being concerned about my benefits because if they are withdrawn I'm well and truly screwed as i can't get employment and if my wife had read your op she'd have started panicking and worrying for absolutely zero reason so yeah unless your prepared to give some verifiable information that you so far have not given it's scaremongering.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I heard a rumour amongst other Carers, that they had been trying to find carers involved in Munchausens By Proxy, circa late 1990's.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Has anyone tweeted this rob Yates guy regrading body language and 2 way mirrors or we all satisfied this is BS?

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

The 2 way mirror comment was put in to make it look worse than it is to be honest. If you are informed they are there at the beginning then it defeats the object of them being used in the first place. However if they use them without telling you then that is a whole different matter.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I have had to edit some posts in regards to discussion of reputation points which is against the forums rules. Please remember the T&Cs of Cable Forum which you can check by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page

Don't make me come back with the fracking hammer..

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Hmmmm, is fracking not evasion of the swear filter?:D

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Back to the subject people .........

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Natalie wanted to look after me at home so this is of interest to me but I've heard nothing about these meetings so more information would indeed not go amiss.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

They usually happen following a letter from the job centre Dili just inviting the carer to go in for a chat about things, my wifes have always been very informal and pleasant according to her.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

How many have you got Rizzy? You're a braver man than me!:D

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Haha more then one she wouldn't be a carer they would have sectioned me by now.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Those who wish to do so can put their heads back into the sand.

For those who are actually interested in this new plan, for whatever reason, this is now beginning to be picked up by welfare rights organisations. It'll be interesting to see if the papers pick it up.

I'm trying to get hold of the actual contract to see if this sheds any more light on the Government's intentions.

I'll also try to get hold of some contact information for any carers in receipt of Carers Allowance who may be affected by this.

Please do not use this contact information for enquiries to satisfy idle curiosity as Government austerity measures have led to them being busier than ever with less funding.

Voluntary organisations are extremely busy without needless calls to them.[COLOR="Silver"]

This "warped mind" is trying to help people like yourself, if you do not wish to participate, either put me on ignore or quit the insults.

No mind could ever be as warped as a parent who agrees that their child with a severe, lifelong and incurable condition should have to go through the pointless and stressful repeated testing processes brought in by the Government.

Good point. There is currently a discussion being had regarding this. Is it 'informed consent'?? Is it coercion??

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Seriously your on a different planet :rolleyes:

You still have provided no links or evidence and yet you still try to needlessly scare people with your BS ...shame on you :mad:

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Thank you.

Hopefully we can now have a proper discussion without the personal insults & puerile remarks. If there is anyone else who feels the same way as the above, now is as good a time as any to follow suit.

I am still waiting for more details so the rest of us can discuss this properly to try to get to the bottom of this worrying move.

Thus far, it's believed that this is an attempt by the Government to cut down on fraudulant claims for Carers Allowance and associated benefits.

If this is indeed the case, they should be open and honest about this Orwellian move and let the electorate decide if this is acceptable or not.

It is fair to say that some people actually resent carers.

My response was to say that I would bet my life that this parent would gladly swap every penny of his weekly £62.10 Carers Allowance in return for a fit and healthy child. I've not yet met a parent who wouldn't.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Only by you , people who have experienced these talks have no issues

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

ATOS was once just a test or an idea... Now look where it is. If this is indeed backed somehow by the government, it will end up being something in the pipeline, afterall, if the government can save on something and a company is willing to take it on they will.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

:tu:

Please do not forget that Carers Allowance is both taxable and counted as income for benefits.

We are now in the situation that I have started to receive small pensions, and added to the C.A. my wife and I receive, puts us over the limit for any Income Support at all, and vastly reduced Rent and Poll Tax benefits. And it gets worse when Universal Credit starts "to act as incentive to get into work".

We're already "working" as full time Carers you twonks!

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

What are you wittering on about. The link you gave says what it's about. Click on the "Home" tab and look at the bottom. They facilitate various research projects. 2 are mentioned, one for OFGEM and the other for the DWP.It says that the meeting was about the carers self-employment journey. It is NOT about the claims of individuals, it is about trying to IMPROVE things for ALL claimants.
How is any of that vaguely sinister?:rolleyes:

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I've been talking to both disabled rights groups I'm involved with and some political contacts none of whom are aware of any coming attack on carer's allowance or major changes to how it operates. You continue to use unsettling rhetoric Richard and so far have given absolutely nothing beyond your interpretation of a process that has been ongoing for many years and has actually helped many carer's. State fact or say nothing because many legitimate benefit claimants live in fear of their benefits being stopped or restricted in someway and it's not acceptable to create threads on something unless you have facts to back it up.

Given how your demanding protection for people online in another thread to act the way you have in this thread towards other members and concerning a very vulnerable group in society has me puzzled.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I personally think that Carers should get double what they get. My wife is a 24 hour carer for my disabled son. I simply couldn't do. I love my son dearly, but sometimes he drives me nuts.

Any idea of having any sort of discussion is an insult to the disabled. Which is nothing unusual with this bloody government.

I have feelings of hatred towards this government. As my brother in law has had this benefit stopped for the past SIX WEEKS owing to a farcical medical. He was told to look for work DESPITE his GP saying that he cannot work due to medical reasons. And been told that he cannot get any benefit until the result of an appeal - in SIX MONTHS time.So when he asked about survival. They told him tough.

This government will do anything to stop making benefits to the vulnerable

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Good point, yes, it is completely taxable and counted in full for the purposes of means tested benefits.

To receive CA, the person has to care for the person for at least 35 hours a week, so this works out at £1.77 per hour.

If this is exceeded, the hourly rate of pay goes down. I imagine that most carers would not tell a severely disabled person who needs to use the toilet that they cannot as they have already done their 35 hours in the relevant benefit week!

I'm still waiting for details and a copy of the contract awarded to this firm for this new initiative.

---------- Post added at 23:30 ---------- Previous post was at 23:21 ----------

This is the fear of the welfare rights organisations that I've been in contact with Arthur.

I'm lucky enough to be able to pay for my carers privately, yet the Government seeks to penny pinch from the most vulnerable.

If the cuts that the Government want to make come to fruition, it would serve them right if all those in receipt of Carers Allowance were to say that they no longer wanted to carry out this function.

It would cost the Government far, far more than the pittance that carers receive for working long hours.

For a single person over 25, Carers Allowance is currently £62.10, whilst Jobseekers Allowance is currently £73.10.

---------- Post added at 23:56 ---------- Previous post was at 23:30 ----------

Update:

Contract details:

https://www.contractsfinder.service....b-ec6e38c59f10

It looks to be relating to the sick and disabled as well as their carers.

More information here:

https://kittysjones.wordpress.com/20...ns-laboratory/

The DWP seem to be reluctant to talk about this upcoming scheme to legal advocates, so, amongst other things, a Freedom Of Information request has been made.

I understand that the BBC have been briefed about this too.

Because of the attitude of some on here, I have been asked not to give out the contact details of those who can provide legal help and advice for anybody that is called into one of these 'meetings'.

If anybody needs help, please contact me (in confidence) by PM and I will let you have the details if they are genuinely required.

Incidentally, many sick and disabled people now face having their benefits reduced, stopped or delayed.

In the NW area, a charity that I support is now offering a scheme where frozen food can be provided free of charge. For those who need it, a free delivery service is also available.

Again, please contact me (in confidence) by PM if this would help you or somebody that you know and I will give you contact details.

*Priority will be given to those who have had both their DLA/PIP and ESA stopped*

The person asking for help must live in the NW area.

---------- Post added 30-08-2016 at 00:04 ---------- Previous post was 29-08-2016 at 23:56 ----------

You've got it in one Rex.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

So still no facts that can be verified just more alarming rhetoric and on that note I'm out the stress levels amongst claimants are already high without unfounded alarmist rubbish like this getting attention.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I concur, reading the contract it makes cash incentives for people to participate and has confidentiality clauses inserted for each participating party. This Is a classic case of someone jumping to conclusion and getting on their own horse without reading the detail (or worst stirring up trouble for their own pleasure which considering it's with carers of disabled people is quite frankly sick)

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Here's an example of the "evil things" the User Research get up to.
Some of the rules for User Research
From 2012 DWP report on Universal credit. Just to show that user research has been going on for years and is a good idea.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Just so everyone is clear on this, this thread is not closing.
I have removed all the recent off topic and wanna be modersting posts from this thread.

Two warnings have been posted already about the behaviour of people in this thread.
This is the final one from me, defy this one and you will be taking a rest from posting on the site.

Behave like adults, stick to the topic, do not post personal remarks or attacks or anything eles that breaks the site rules.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Please guys, stop slagging each other off. This is a great topic yo discuss.
I know from personnel experience. Not once but twice.
My disabled son has been hit. And also my brother in law. The Tories will always hit the vulnerable. And they will always win as we dont have a strong Labour Party to fight. Withat that **** Corbyn fighting a self destruction button.

This will continue to happen.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

It is not a great topic to discuss Arthur because nothing sinister is going on this is a new company handling a contract in dealing with carer's and all the time this has been running it's been a benefit to carer's not a sinister plot to victimise them. As for slagging off most have asked for some facts to elevate this from one person misinterpreting something they read and so far none has been forthcoming.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Sorry Arthur, I don't agree. It is surely the responsibility of every parent, person, carer, Government, whomever, to monitor their financial commitment and/or expenditure and to decide whether that commitment/expenditure needs adjusting?

The alternative is irresponsible. Changes are happening to tax-payer funded commitment all the time as I'm sure you would want it to be. You cut your coat according to the cloth.

Without exception.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

It is not "one person" misinterpreting this. There are both individuals and organisations who are worried about the implications of this new initiative and wish to get to the bottom of it.

If don't think that it's wrong to question what the Government of any political colour is doing and why.

We have all seen the spin, but the DWP are refusing to clarify matters or answer questions put to them by legally qualified people who are concerned about this.

---------- Post added at 16:51 ---------- Previous post was at 16:37 ----------

This has nothing to do with any previous interviews that most (all?)* Carers have been to. Those interviews were often 'Work Focussed Interviews' used by the DWP to see if any carers could, at the present time or in the future, do some paid work as well as their caring responsibilities.

Similarly, no disabled people in the 'Work Related Activity Group's (WRAG) are likely to have been to one of these group meetings either.

* As the DWP refuse to enter into the usual dialogue with about this, it cannot yet be verified if anybody has attended these new meeting or not.

The DWP last did this regarding the number of people who had died following sanctions, medical assessments, decisions, policies etc made by them.

If there's nothing sinister about this, why aren't the DWP co-operating with representatives of the disabled community and their carers?

---------- Post added at 17:00 ---------- Previous post was at 16:51 ----------

Leaving the human cost to one side, it is not cheaper for us taxpayers to stop paying (this has been mooted in the past) Carers Allowance and place disabled people into institutional care or have agency nurses paid for by the state.

They were hoping to save money by stopping the miserly payment altogether, whilst carers carried on without any payment whatsoever.

It might have worked with claimants looking after a family member, but this has now hopefully been kicked into the long grass.

Carers do a tremendous job and save this country a fortune every year.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

How many more times.:mad: I've given the quotes from the original link and the DWP. It is purely "user research", that they do all the time to try and improve things. It is only certain people from certain areas(mainly the north-west) that can VOLUNTEER. It is NOT about assessing them for eligibility or anything like that. It's about trying to improve how the system works. They seem to use it to test out online forms.

How is a new system, being tried out at the moment, that aims to really speed up claims for the terminally ill, a bad thing?:confused:

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

The simple answer is that the reluctance of the DWP to enter into a discussion with legally trained professionals about this initiative is raising red flags.

I'm confident that they will eventually have to explain what this is all about to the people that they purport to serve- both the DWP and the Government.

If there is nothing ominous, I doubt that there would be such a wall of silence.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

The DWP will not answer questions about something that doesn't exist you don't think they have enough to do and still none of the groups I'm involved with or any of the politicians have heard anything. This is about trying to get in this carer's involved in DWP matters that affect them and to look into streamlining the system of assistance and claim that currently exists and it's an ongoing process that's been around for year's. Disabled people are called into different meetings with the DWP to gauge their reaction and suggestions for future improvements.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

They have acknowledged that it exists and refuse to discuss it.

If it's borne out of a genuine desire to improve the service, there would be no wall of silence and claimant representative groups would welcome it.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

A) it's not a new initiative

B) Only you think the DWP won't talk about

C) There is no wall of silence

D) Nomadking gave more information in one post than you have given in the entire thread and every link he posted shows your assertions to be total rubbish

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I just been viewing some of the spectacular scenes of scilly where these natural rocks of St Mary's have taken form over 1000s of years

As a rule of thumb you probably be waiting for E) to come much longer I'm afraid

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Well I'm so confused now I don't know who to believe trust or whatever.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

The next personal comment will get the member suspended.

Grow up all of you, and act like adults, its worse than a school playground in here atm and my patience is at an end.

---------- Post added at 20:03 ---------- Previous post was at 20:02 ----------

I'm not suprised, too much fighting going on atm, which will stop now.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I try to live my caring role looking on the bright side and not descending into despair every time someone or other claims armageddon is imminent.

I appreciate your problems far exceed mine in so many ways but I have the burden of trying to do what's right for an adult child who's reliant upon me and the decisions I make on his behalf. Frankly it's heartbreaking at times but I'll never have my already stressful existence made unnecessarily worse by the sort of unfounded rumours which have become all too common. My advice, if you want it, is to trust that those who care for you will continue to and believe that the help and medical intervention you need will remain available until proved otherwise.

At least you have Natalie who's never going to let you down mate. She's clearly one in a million. :tu:

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Any carer is "one in a million" and are worth their weight in gold. They are to be applauded for all the dedication they have, the care they give and the unwavering sense of duty that makes them what they are.

The last thing they need is the obvious scaremongering that this thread is proving to be.

[Mod Edit - do not discuss reps, please]

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Dili please don't get too concerned about this right now as it is not actually affecting anyone and beyond one person there is no factual evidence to back up anything sinister going on. That's why this is a bad thread and why it should be closed it will cause unnecessary concern to people who already have enough going on to worry about and don't need more unsubstantiated claims that cause them to worry.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I fail to see what would be achieved by stifling discussion.

I suggest that you wait until this has been properly dealt with before making unfounded accusations.

There is nothing wrong with organisations keeping an ear to the ground about any forthcoming changes. Their role is to do their best for the people that they represent, before problems arise.

If you wish to put your head in the sand, or do not believe that there is any possibility of the DWP/Government ever doing anything ominous towards disabled people and their carers, you are free to do so.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Oh for gods sake I'm not putting my head in the sand and I'm very familiar with the damage this conservative government has done to many genuine disabled claimants and the worry and stress they have caused. You've given nothing not a damn thing of substance to support what you claim you just insult others who don't agree with you and keep claiming a wall of silence it's pathetic and if it's what this forum has become then feel free to permanently ban me.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

And that's the rub. Absolutely nothing has been posted to back it up so where does the wall of silence exist?

With Richard.

This thread should be locked if he can't come up with solid evidence of what he is purporting to be happening.

Just in case Richard doesn't understand the word purport here's the definition.
"appear to be or do something, especially falsely."

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

What a terrible attitude. The mods rightly take a dim view of being told what to do. Why not just discuss in a rational, adult manner rather than insist on censorship?

There are threads here that get shouted down at the mere utterance of the word 'carer' or 'allowances' or 'motability'. Get a grip. No-one has an agenda here; I know I like to hear of and learn from the experiences of others and it would be wrong for some topics to be no go areas for discussion.

Strewth.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Discuss what ? there are no facts to be discussed no announced policy to debate and far as i can see no current affair issue all it's doing is scaremongering and has caused concern for one member. Carer's rights as well as the rights of disabled people in this country need discussing and some change in policy that's not on the table here and threads like this don't help in anyway whatsoever.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

If you have nothing to discuss, then might I suggest you move on to other threads.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

For the benefit of mods etc, most everyone here, myself included that have expressed qualms are in fact carers.

Whilst asking for the thread to be closed, we are not doing it for the sake of censorship or to stifle free debate, but to stop what would appear at best to be scaremongering, and at worst maliciousness from the OP.

A number of us have all expressed alarm and personal upset, I can say from my own pov that when I read the title, my heart sank and I was anxious.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

While you are free to ask, I see no reason to close this. Please also refer to my previous post.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

yep they tend to go away then ;)

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Then ban me because this is ridiculous in a current affairs section of a forum a thread is started with no facts and no substantiating evidence has already caused concern to one member and likely others and the OP whose past is anything but trustworthy seems to get a free pass to alarm. This is not about freedom of speech or freedom to debate a topic as anyone wanting to discuss carer's affairs can do so on any disability forum this is alarmist scaremongering affecting a vulnerable and underappreciated group in society.

Clearly there is more going on here i don't know if Richard is friends with a mod or what but he seems to get more leeway then a lot have on here over the years.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

I find it amazing how things change. Initially I was told by the job centre to apply for disability benefits as I'd have 'no chance' in ever getting a job.

Natalie and I would be financially better off if she gave up work and looked after me but I still feel like I'd be asking too much of her so it's not happened yet, at least she has job security where she is and what with whatever changes /may/ happen in my circumstances I don't want us to be worse off.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

It's not relevant that you are a carer; why would a 'non-carer' have views any less valuable? And frankly if 'scaremongering' frightens you, the internet is probably not the best place for you.

If you disagree, why not just say so and leave it at that? Surely you would not want members to feel they are constrained by your disapproval. You take these discussions very personally and whilst you may have good grounds for doing so (in your view), it is unfair to attempt to visit a limitation upon others.

Think about it; treading on eggshells ruins debate (notwithstanding that there are limits of course). If you disagree with Richard, why not help him to see things differently but you should expect him to return the favour.

Alternatively, take Paul's advice as I will do after this post and move on.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

It's not a case of disagreeing ,it's a case of Richard making stuff up to deliberately alarm and worry people .There is no discussion to be had on this subject simply because people on carers allowance are not being studied more closely

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Then Paul's advice would seem to be the best idea. Besides, there are more interesting things to be discussed :D

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Current status of the Freedom of Information Act request:

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...atory_research

Some further reading about this after a quick Google search:

http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums/viewthread/10155/

https://thepoorsideoflife.wordpress....ities-for-dwp/

http://unemploymentmovement.com/foru...-research.html

https://kittysjones.wordpress.com/20...ns-laboratory/

I'll post any further news as and when I receive it.

If anybody is called into one of these meetings, a legal advocate can be provided via a Manchester based charity (just PM me) who are very, very concerned about these meetings, because they believe that they are unethical, may breach a person's human rights and cause particular problems for those with a mental health condition.

Nothing about this "study" seems ethical in their legal opinion.

"A room with a 2 way mirror and capacity for 12 people studying body language and facial expressions is wrong in so many ways, DWP are giving the wrong impression that claimants are potential criminals with this latest research in my view and this is going to be used to sieve claimants out for potential investigation".

"In my opinion they are going to use this as a sieve so rather than investigate a 100 they may investigate a few that display the unreliable signs of possible lying. Body language experts cannot be used in UK courts as reliable evidence source so why here!"

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

To be clear, this is just your opinion.

While we allow a certain amount of leeway for people to post opposing opinions, some members are just getting hysterical and crossing the line (still).

Two members have already had 1 day suspensions, dont be the third.

Move on then.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Apologies, I didn't attribute the last two statements to the person who made them:

Michelle Cardno (LLB hons).

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

as confirmed by DWP not A new concept

The purpose is to allow customers to see, and try, an early version of a new service and give feedback on it. This feedback is then used to inform the future design so that any problems identified by customers can be resolved before any new service actually launches.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...14%20Reply.pdf

Scaremongering at its finest

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Not scaremongering at all.

If you are happy with this response from the DWP after all this time that's fine, but I prefer to take notice of legally trained experts.

I will, however, pass this onto them for consideration.

As it stands, the advice remains unchanged ie if you are called or invited to one of these meetings; seek advice.

The new PM has said that no further benefit cuts beyond those already planned are to be made during the life of the current Parliament.

Just as I was thinking that this is was very small crumb of comfort for those who rely on this support to survive, I am now informed that those who score low points during the DLA to PIP conversion are now losing entitlement to ESA!

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...0#post35862640

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

Richard ,people are not "called into one these meetings" they are voluntary ,people are invited ...so yes ,scaremongering ....again

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

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

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

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

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

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.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

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

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

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.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

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

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

- 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.

Re: People on Carers Allowance to be studied more closely.
 

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.