DWP slammed as 'department in meltdown' with benefit review waits doubling in a year

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has come under scathing criticism after it emerged that Brits claiming some benefits have seen their waiting times almost double in just 12 months.

The influential Benefits and Work forum has slammed this as yet more "evidence that the DWP is a department in meltdown," with people claiming a variety of benefits now experiencing lengthening delays to their applications or reviews.

People attempting to challenge their benefit award decisions, which typically occurs through the "mandatory reconsideration" process, are now waiting around two and a half months to hear back from the DWP, Labour's Stephen Timms MP admitted in response to a written parliamentary question.

Independent MP Richard Burgon asked "whether her Department plans to take steps to reduce the clearance time," for Personal Independence Payment reviews.