“Can you help challenge David Freud, the government special adviser who wants to create millionaires from your benefits? Benefits and Work believes that David Freud has breached the Civil Service Code in relation to honesty and integrity. However, we are not an affected party and so cannot make a formal complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman. But you may be able to.
War of terror
The government today announced it is to follow city banker turned special adviser David Freud’s recommendations on paying more money to the private sector to get sick and disabled claimants back into work.Freud is responsible for some of the recent claimant bashing statements which are part of what appears to be a war of terror being waged by the main political parties against the sick and disabled. In particular, Freud claimed that only one third of incapacity benefits claimants should actually be getting the benefit and that the level of fraud is much higher than the DWP claims. (See: Freud’s views: ignorance, arrogance and astonishing avarice 05.02.08)
The ombudsman’s office say they will consider a complaint against Freud if the the action complained of took place when he was acting in his official capacity and if the complainant can show that they have suffered as a result of that action.
We believe that in his interview with the Telegraph Freud was acting in an official capacity and, by his inaccurate statements, has caused genuine fear and emotional distress to individual claimants. The ombudsman’s office normally looks for financial loss, but they have accepted that emotional distress may be sufficient cause for an investigation. As we are not claimants, however, the ombudsman’s office have made it clear they would not accept a complaint from us.
Below is the basis of our case against Freud. If you agree with it and you are an incapacity benefit claimant who has been distressed by the continued anti-claimant propaganda then please consider making a formal complaint.”
Please visit the Benefits and Work website to read full details.
Dear Friends,
I am writing to ask you if it is now time to further challenge the unacceptable gap between the rich and poor, to add their voice in a way that will make it clear to Government and their advisers that their policies and their language are unacceptable and slanderous, specifically a recent statement by David Freud, who was hired by James Purnell the new DWP head man.( Please see attached).
I believe you know something of the content of my character, and my story, I am a community development professional who through ill-health, stress and breakdown (25yrs+) I became unemployed and later a claimant for the Incapacity benefit. I spent 26wks last year without any income due to the incompetence of the DWP, and a further 4wks this year – I did receive two apologies from the DWP, but that does not compensate for the stress, neither does it pay the bills!
I seek to listen to the still small voice, and seek to be proactive in any actions I commit myself to in a spirit of reconciliation I have dedicated my life to bridging the gap between the disengaged and the trapped, and often appeal to the need for genuine listening. I am not a ‘reactionary’, nor do I seek publicity, but I am alarmed by the rising indifference and “single-minded ferocity” that is now being displayed by our government towards the poor and vulnerable – in mind, body or spirit. I have worked through several governments some that denied that there was ‘any such thing as society’ and others that promised that ‘things can only get better’. Sooner or later they bow to their own wisdom and begin to widen the gap between the disengaged and the trapped.
Despite paying my national Insurance for the past 38 years, I currently receive £59.15p (£2.50p less than 36yrs ago!) I have fought to raise awareness of injustice and the gap between the disengaged and the trapped for the vast majority of my working life. I took some hope in 2005 with the following statements from Faithful Cities:
· “The Churches need to add their own confident voice to the public recognition that there is an unacceptable gap between rich and poor in Britain…
· “…Gap between rich and poor is offensive to the Christian Gospel. Judeo-Christian teaching is not against the wealthy, but it does require that we make a stern challenge to those who are rich but ignore the needs of the poor.”
I have included a recent report in the Daily Telegraph (2/2/08) for your consideration. I believe the comments herein are ‘defamation of character’, and are inaccurate, if not economical with the truth… more sinister is the disparaging stereotypes used and the indifference they reveal. (SEE ATTACHED)
‘Defamation of Character’: “ to attack the good name or reputation… slander”
‘Slander’: “a slanderous statement, to utter or circulate slander… to cause offence”;
Libel: “The publication of defamatory matter in permanent form, as by a written or printed statement… Any defamatory or unflattering representation or statement”
David Freud unflattering attack upon many genuine people who are not ‘living it up’ on benefits – indeed my income (£59.15p) is approximately £36 lower than the recognised poverty level of £96 for a single person outlined and referred to by a fairly recent Joseph Rowntree Foundation report!
I wonder if the Ombudsmand would or could advise me or even support me in bringing action against Freud, Purnell, and the Government, after due consideration, seek to challenge the unacceptable language and judgemental words of Freud and Purnell which negatively reinforce stereotypes, and are unflattering and slanderous – by advising or supporting me in bringing legal action for Defamation of character against Freud & Purnell, and the Government – to highlight the injustice to the poor and the vulnerable? This is not a gimmick, it is a sincere challenge, and is my duty has a Christian to:
PR 31:8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This is an opportunity to challenge the offensive gap between the disengaged and the trapped. And challenge the use of unflattering and slanderous language that seeks to promote a stereotype that “several hundred thousand work illegally” whilst in receipt of benefit. I find this offensive, unflattering and slanderous – but I am ‘poor’ and do not have the resources to take legal action, to sue, Freud & Purnell, and the DWP for such outrageous and unchallenged defamation of character for thousands of people.
It adds insult to considerable injury – it is impossible to live on £59.15p a week, will anyone listen? Will anyone challenge such scandalous remarks aimed at the vulnerable and the poor? Who will speak for us?
Freud was wrong to assert that the persons own GP “does the disability tests” – and this person is an advisor? The DWP fund an ‘independent’ GP, and it is their GP, not the claimants!
If this provides an opportunity for the Church and/or church related agencies to add their voice for the voiceless. I am prepared to take action against such slanderous and divisive language, whilst taking a considerable step towards raising awareness of the exploitation and downright insults such comments inflict upon the voiceless, the poor and the vulnerable!
I am currently awaiting a decsion regarding my appeal to restore my ICB ( I wrote to them 5/2/8) and recently asked my MP to investigate this matter as the pressure and ‘bullying tactic of the DWP with regard to JSA is having a very adverse impact upon my health. Indeed since they stopped my ICB my medication has been doubled and additional medication perscribed – I had a sick note until February 28th 2008, but the overruled this and I was told my ICB ceased on 13th Dec – I was not told until 29/12/08 and thus started the new year with further stress and anxiety!
Adrian Wait
39 Ipswich Close
Astill Lodge
Leicester, LE4 1DP