Debbie Abrahams comments on Written Ministerial Statement on Employment and Support Allowance

Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting
on the Written Ministerial Statement on Employment and Support Allowance, said:

“It is a damning indictment of this Government and their incompetence
that 75,000 people in receipt of ESA were underpaid between 2011 and 2014 and
this information has only now been put in the public domain.

“The statement spells out a litany of failures by officials and
Ministers. Ministers have known about this issue for nearly a year, but
chose not to inform Parliament immediately. The Secretary of State must come
before Parliament to explain how such a huge error was not rectified sooner and
to outline in detail how he will ensure all those affected will receive the
payments they are due.” 

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