Responding to a written question by Rushanara Ali MP, on the average length of time taken to commence and complete an investigation into the services of the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department revealed that it took an average of 80 weeks between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2020. 

The Independent Case Examiner deals with the most serious and complex cases against the Department for Work and Pensions, which include excessive delays in receiving payments, poor customer service and failure to follow procedures. 

Commenting on the response, Rushanara Ali, Member of Parliament for Bethnal Green and Bow, said:

'It is completely unacceptable that people with the most serious complaints against the Department for Work and Pensions have to face over 18 months of stress and difficulty while waiting for a decision. The Government's welfare services are supposed to support people in times of need, not add to their difficulties. The Department must take action now to reduce such extreme delays.'

Read the full written question by clicking here.