todays big news...the government is listening...

Unless you dont happen to live on planet spartacus you have probably heard this story from Sue and Kaliyas blogs:

http://diaryofabenefitscrounger.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/guest-post-from-mind.html

http://diaryofabenefitscrounger.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/breaking-news-possible-new-wca.html

Basically, the DWP are going to work with some pretty big charities to improve the work capability assessment for those like me who are claiming ESA.

Now I haven't sat and looked at the descriptors in great detail, or even thought about how these changes might affect me, because I don't think that these are important at the moment. Until there is a need or a request for help and input the details are subject to change and improvement.

What I think is the most important thing is what this symbolises. This news goes as far as we are going to get to an apology. The DWP are saying these descriptors are not good enough and we need your help. That in itself is amazing. It was only january that spartacus offered the DWP their help in the form of a big document analyzing the new PIP and the welfare reform bill, and it was spectacularly rejected by the DWP, ironically making it more popular. It was only last month that the director of mind quit over not being listened to on this exact subject. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17590426 .

I dont know how and I dont know why, but somehow the government are now listening to people about the new Employment and Support allowance and its problems and are making attempts to sort it out. I am cautiously optimistic about this, there is probably some reason behind it that wont be revealed, but at the moment it doesnt feel like it matters. The government is listenning. That has got to be cause for celebration, and a first.

Once the descriptors are scrutinized and hopefully improved we can worry about the application of  medicals and the practical elements of the benefit and how its administered.

Unfortunately ATOS are still there, and seems like they will be in the new PIP too. But if the descriptors are not flawed (or at least less flawed) then ATOS will have a whole lot less to hide behind and will be under alot more scrutiny by Spartacus and the government.

but yes, todays big news... the government is listening....