Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Deegan
But some people won't believe anything without links. And they will use the fact that someone hasn't provided links as proof that they can't possibly be telling the truth.
I have personally been accused of making things up that are actually facts, just because I don't post links. Well if I know something because I am directly connected to it, then I don't need to come up with a link. You can either believe me, or not.
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There appears to be confusion between people doubting individuals' Subject Matter Expertise, gained through lifetime experience, and asking for verification of a claim that a major news organisation, which is seen as one of the main communicators of unbiased (as far as that is possible) news to the world, is deliberately suppressing news stories due to an anti-benefits claimant agenda. If the BBC are doing this, it needs to be publicised.
You state that if you know something because you are directly linked to it, you don't need to post a link - but many others state they "know" things, but in fact are distorting / making things up, so how are other CF'ers supposed to differentiate between those who make things up to further their agenda, and those whose positions are factually-based?
---------- Post added at 08:34 ---------- Previous post was at 08:24 ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Deegan
The system is far from perfect. And I think the main problem is contracting private companies to carry out the work. After all companies are there to make a profit, the DLA aren't. So who would be best to regulate the system?
It would be interesting to see just how atos are funded. I bet it is on the number of cases, in which case it is in their interest to stop people DLA, and then for them to have an appeal.
Maybe this is something that Watchdog should investigate.
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The process is that ATOS Origin carry out the assessments, these are then sent to the DWP Decision Makers (ATOS have no part in the DM process, besides providing the information), and then the DMs make a decision (which can go to appeal).
ATOS Origin are not involved after the assessment, and they do not get any extra money if it goes to appeal*.
*This information is from someone who works at the Disability & Carers Service part of the DWP, specifically in Customer Service (helping claimants fill in the forms, and general advice and outreach), who works with the DMs, and also deals with complaints from claimants (and has done so for the last 30 years).