Millions being failed by benefits system

Millions of people claiming benefits are being failed by the system, a new Channel 4 Dispatches documentary has revealed.

With three million people now relying on long-term sickness support, Britain’s Benefits Scandal looks at the reasons behind this and the most affected areas in the country.  

Where do people need the most support?

Once a bustling fishing port, Grimsby has been named as the place where more people are claiming benefits than working.

In the East Marsh and Port area of the town:

• 53% of working-age adults claim benefits
• 33% claim sickness benefits
• 11% are on jobseeker’s allowance
• 9% get other types of benefits

But Grimsby isn’t alone in this trend – a similar picture is painted in Blackpool and Birkenhead:

	Blackpool	Birkenhead
Sickness benefits	29%	32%
Jobseeker’s allowance	14%	9%

On average, people in these areas live 12 years less than the national average. This raises concerns about their health, wellbeing and opportunities.

Real people facing real challenges

Some think claiming benefits is a lifestyle choice, but many people rely on benefits because they have few other options.

Most claimants are dealing with a system that isn’t working for them, which can make them feel trapped and helpless.

Despite any negative views, benefits provide essential support for those in need.

Each year, the UK spends about £137bn on benefits for working-age individuals, including £90bn for disability payments and £35bn for housing support.

Recently, the number of people on long-term sickness benefits has increased by one million over five years.

• Some people are too sick to even look for work.
• 69% of those on universal credit for health reasons have mental health challenges.
• Half of those deemed fit for work still face health problems.

The growing need for support

Recent talks about welfare reform have brought up some possible changes.

For example, Labour wants to link the NHS with job support services to help people return to work.

This could help a lot of people, if done carefully.

Some ideas include hiring people for non-clinical jobs and placing work coaches in mental health clinics.

It's important that any reforms aim to understand the root problems instead of just tightening rules.

Further details about any changes will be revealed in the new year, so keep an eye on our blogs for the latest updates.

Britain’s Benefits Scandal: Dispatches will be shown on Channel 4 at 8pm on Monday 2 December.