There were no apologies for absence

None

The meeting of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record

The Chief Executive of Merton Centre for Independent Living (Merton CiL) gave an overview of the main issues highlighting that challenges with the Personal Independent Payment  (PIP) process was discussed at this Panel in September. Recent evidence has shown that Merton has a higher rate of declined applications than neighbouring areas.

The Head of Services at Merton and Lambeth Citizens Advice reported that an increased number of clients are seeking help, usually after their first application is turned down, 85% of cases are successful on appeal. The application form is more descriptive and many clients are struggling to complete it. People with mental health problems face the biggest challenge with this process.  An increased number of claimants are successfully awarded a lower rate of benefit, which is positive as more people are receiving help.

A panel member asked if patients have to pay for their GP to provide medical evidence. It was reported that GPs are asked to waiver fee but if this is not possible the client has to pay.

The Chair invited a local resident to address the Panel.

Ms H reported that her son is 50 year old man with Downs Syndrome. She recently had  to complete three benefit application forms on his behalf. Even though she has a high literacy level the forms were complex.  During the face to face medical assessment she had to say negative things about her son’s health in front of him. This was very challenging because as parents they have always sought to be positive about his capabilities. 

The Chair invited the next local resident to address the Panel.

Ms M reported that she is deaf cannot lip read and uses British Sign Language. Being deaf means that she faces a number of challenges including using the tube, accessing information at the doctors and jobcentre. 

Ms M reported that it was a big shock when her benefits were changed from Disability Living Allowance to PIP. The language in the letter was very confusing. The questions were difficult and she was told to go to PIP assessment.  At the medical assessment they asked Ms M if she was deaf and she also had to prove it . An assessor asked Ms M to face a wall and someone was speaking behind her .  The application was turned down and Ms M has appealed and is waiting for letter for tribunal attendance.

A panel member said the case studies shared had been distressing and asked what will be done to ensure this situation is rectified and services are made accessible.

The Partnership Support Manager for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said  face to face consultations had  been contracted out to Independent Assessment Services. Claimant champions had been appointed to help identify issues and ensure they are escalated. Claimants are asked to highlight their support needs before a face to face interview. Home visits are also provided.  The aim of the PIP assessment is understand how the condition affects the individual  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Head of Service Merton and Lambeth Citizens Advice gave an overview of the report and stated that many Merton residents are refused their benefit claim on a ‘right to reside’ basis. This is often overturned on appeal and therefore implies that the criteria was applied incorrectly in the first instance. They are issuing more food bank vouchers. Housing costs are an issue as claimants are now  responsible to pay it, previously payments went  directly to landlord.   There has been a decrease in benefit overpayments.

The Head of Revenue and Benefits gave an overview of the report and stated that Merton had been a pilot for rollout of Universal Credit for some wards since January 2016.

A panel member said many people find it difficult to understand what benefits are available to them. The Head of Revenues of Benefits said all new claimants will be transferred to universal credit, some residents think there is a choice and it is confusing. The Benefits team are able to support people over the phone, however the process is administered  by Jobcentre Plus.

The Jobcentre Plus Manager said there had been an improvement in the speed in which claimants are receiving their benefit payments, people can apply for advance payments. Benefits  are issued on monthly basis which may explain why there is a shortfall and need for food vouchers. Jobcentre Plus are also working with partner organisations to tackle digital exclusion.

RESOLVED

The Panel thanked officers for the report and asked for a further update in six months time.

Loneliness in Merton

The Senior Principal Public Health Officer  gave an overview of the report and stated that loneliness considerations will be included in falls, hoarding and volunteering strategies. All the task group recommendations have been implemented and wider work is taking place  including fire safety visits.

The task group chair said she was pleased to see the progress with the work. Officers were asked to remember that some Merton residents are registered with GP surgeries outside the borough.

Councillor Brenda Fraser said she is a befriender with Age UK Merton,  Panel members were invited to consider if they wish to apply for the role as more volunteers are needed.

RESOLVED

The Panel thanked officers for the progress with the work and asked for a further update in six months time.

The Consultation and Community Engagement Manager gave an overview of the report highlighting that Healthwatch had conducted a wide range of consultation as well in depth reviews of specific issues and they also made use of their power to ‘enter and view’ care homes. 

It was reported that in regards to future procurement, Local authorities are free to provide the service as they see fit. Given there is a lack of competition in the market this service will be incorporated into the voluntary  grants programme. 

RESOLVED

The Panel thanked the Consultation and Community Engagement Manager for the report.

The Director of Public Health gave an overview of the report

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said the Health and Wellbeing Board works well with voluntary sector and Merton Clinical Commissioning Group. The  aim is to continue to build on the work of the last four years.

A panel member asked for clarification on the childhood obesity figures and expressed concern about the impact of charging in parks. The Director of Public Health said they working  closely with colleagues in environment to understand if there are any potential effects.

A panel member said there are difficulties in GPs being encouraged to refer people to voluntary sector services. The Director for Public Health said they are working closely with practices to make referrals easier through social prescribing. The evaluation has demonstrated that  this project has freed up GP time. It is now being rolled out across East Merton.

A panel member said female life expectancy between the East and West of the borough had  improved but for men it has decreased. The Director of Public Health said this analysis is taking place and the annual public health report will provide more information.

RESOLVED

The Panel thanked the Director for her Report

The Panel noted the work programme report

RESOLVED

The Chair asked Panel members to contact the scrutiny officer with suggestions for the future work programme.