TWO thirds of disabled people in Barnsley refused government support had the decision overturned on appeal, alarming new figures have revealed.
The admission on the worrying rate of errors resulting in people being wrongly denied disability benefit was made by ministers in response to a parliamentary question asked by Stephanie Peacock, Barnsley East MP.
The data shows 68 per cent of Barnsley residents initially denied Employment and Support Allowance in the last 12 months were found to be entitled to the payment on appeal. ESA provides help for those unable to work through illness or disability and support when they can work.
Similarly, 63 per cent of those who appealed against rejections for Personal Independence Payments - which cover the extra costs caused by serious disability or long-term ill-health - were also found to be eligible, with the ruling eventually overturned.
The MP branded the figures as ‘shocking’.
Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle
