Vulnerable People needing Help through PIP and ESA, Brighton and Hove

In 2017, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove received information from a number of local sources about the manner in which Personal Independence (PIP) and ESA Employment Support Allowance (ESA) assessments were being conducted, and the negative impacts this was having on some claimants. Healthwatch Brighton and Hove were concerned that if these reports were accurate that some individuals might not be able to properly access benefits and advice,and that this could damage their wellbeing and perhaps emotional and mental health.

This report provides a sample of the individual case studies (10) and supporting organisational data that Healthwatch was provided with. It highlights the general issues that emerged from this research, and provides recommendations to the assessing organisations (ATOS and Maximus). Numerous local organisation (statutory and voluntary) were contacted to provide information for this report. A number of organisations responded.

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove used information provided by other organisations to produce this report.

Numerous recommendations were made as a result of this report.

Despite a request from Healthwath, the providers did not provide a resonse. The report will be presented to the Health & wellbeing Board.