Thank you for contacting me about benefit sanctions and the National Audit Office (NAO)’s report of 30 November.

Regrettably, I was unable to attend the subsequent debate on 2 December due to earlier parliamentary commitments. However, I do appreciate the strength of feeling on this issue.

I note your sentiments but be assured that successive Governments have recognised the role that sanctions have in the benefits system to encourage people to comply with conditions that will help them move into or closer to work. Claimants are more likely to follow the rules and to look for work if they know there is a system of sanctions in place. As the NAO acknowledges, there is widespread evidence in the UK and elsewhere that benefit regimes tied to conditionality do get people into work. The vast majority of claimants do meet their commitments and only a small fraction of claimants are sanctioned each month.

The NAO’s report calls for an independent review of the benefit sanctions system. Such review has already been completed in July 2014 and a wide review similarly undertaken by the Work and Pensions Select Committee. A number of changes have been made to the system as a result of the recommendations which emerged from these inquiries. I think it is important to allow time for those reforms to be embedded in the system and allow a period of stability. The Department for Work and Pensions does keep the system under constant review and makes improvements where appropriate.

Of course, claimants who are sanctioned are made aware of their right to have a decision looked at again, and of their right to appeal. They are also made aware of the availability of hardship payments for those who would otherwise struggle to meet their basic needs. The vast majority of claimants who do apply for a hardship payment are given an award.

I hope you find this information useful.

Yours sincerely,
 
BEN WALLACE MP
Member for Wyre & Preston North