Owen
@owenatcpag.bsky.social
Welfare rights adviser at Child Poverty Action Group
Pinned
Reposted by Owen
Aerated concrete and EHCPs: https://richardpope.org/2025/11/26/aerated-concrete-and-ehcps/
November 26, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Aerated concrete and EHCPs: https://richardpope.org/2025/11/26/aerated-concrete-and-ehcps/
Reposted by Owen
Plus suspicion of public bodies using AI to process consultation responses.
If AI becomes a byword for laziness, exploitation, and lack of care, how will that affect where it's adopted, attitudes towards those who use it? And will that matter, or will we just be resigned to it?
If AI becomes a byword for laziness, exploitation, and lack of care, how will that affect where it's adopted, attitudes towards those who use it? And will that matter, or will we just be resigned to it?
November 20, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Plus suspicion of public bodies using AI to process consultation responses.
If AI becomes a byword for laziness, exploitation, and lack of care, how will that affect where it's adopted, attitudes towards those who use it? And will that matter, or will we just be resigned to it?
If AI becomes a byword for laziness, exploitation, and lack of care, how will that affect where it's adopted, attitudes towards those who use it? And will that matter, or will we just be resigned to it?
Reposted by Owen
In AP v SSWP [2025] UKUT 330 (AAC) UT comments on common practice of DWP decision makers in Universal Credit of stating a claimant is not entitled to seek mandatory reconsideration of a decision because it is "policy" (typically that happens when challenge involves interpretation of a rule) (1 of 5)
November 5, 2025 at 9:08 AM
In AP v SSWP [2025] UKUT 330 (AAC) UT comments on common practice of DWP decision makers in Universal Credit of stating a claimant is not entitled to seek mandatory reconsideration of a decision because it is "policy" (typically that happens when challenge involves interpretation of a rule) (1 of 5)
A decent topic for further research
Is there a connection between pension credit take-up and areas that have had a long record of active welfare rights work?
@ferrinfo.bsky.social
www.rightsnet.org.uk/now/post/68726
@ferrinfo.bsky.social
www.rightsnet.org.uk/now/post/68726
November 3, 2025 at 2:01 PM
A decent topic for further research
Reposted by Owen
My column annoyed somebody this week
October 17, 2025 at 9:56 AM
My column annoyed somebody this week
Reposted by Owen
There is no need for a moral panic about the UK's welfare system.
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
October 15, 2025 at 12:35 PM
There is no need for a moral panic about the UK's welfare system.
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Reposted by Owen
A much needed corrective by @chrisgiles.ft.com to the "welfare is out of control" narrative, drawing on research by my colleague @benbgeiger.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/ee67...
www.ft.com/content/ee67...
No need for a moral panic about the welfare system
It’s far from perfect, but the UK’s spending is broadly controlled and employment is high
www.ft.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:17 PM
A much needed corrective by @chrisgiles.ft.com to the "welfare is out of control" narrative, drawing on research by my colleague @benbgeiger.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/ee67...
www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Reposted by Owen
ICO orders DWP to
"disclose the list of all AI tools DWP plans to place on the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standards Hub"
I.e. publish details of all the AI they are using unless there is a valid reason to keep it secret
h/t @rightsnet.org.uk
"disclose the list of all AI tools DWP plans to place on the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standards Hub"
I.e. publish details of all the AI they are using unless there is a valid reason to keep it secret
h/t @rightsnet.org.uk
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
ico.org.uk
October 10, 2025 at 4:44 PM
ICO orders DWP to
"disclose the list of all AI tools DWP plans to place on the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standards Hub"
I.e. publish details of all the AI they are using unless there is a valid reason to keep it secret
h/t @rightsnet.org.uk
"disclose the list of all AI tools DWP plans to place on the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standards Hub"
I.e. publish details of all the AI they are using unless there is a valid reason to keep it secret
h/t @rightsnet.org.uk
Reposted by Owen
And so it begins... Client telling me that my (and counsel's) advice is wrong and that I need to consider various cited cases that support their view. Which cases don't exist. Client admits used an LLM AI, but comes back to me with further detailed argument, citing other cases which.. don't exist.
October 8, 2025 at 8:28 PM
And so it begins... Client telling me that my (and counsel's) advice is wrong and that I need to consider various cited cases that support their view. Which cases don't exist. Client admits used an LLM AI, but comes back to me with further detailed argument, citing other cases which.. don't exist.
Reposted by Owen
Should read "deport!
Actual policy is here
Cc @peterwalker99.bsky.social
www.theyworkforyou.com/pbc/2024-25/...
Actual policy is here
Cc @peterwalker99.bsky.social
www.theyworkforyou.com/pbc/2024-25/...
New Clause 32 - Revocation of indefinite leave to remain in certain circumstances
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 2:15 pm 18 March 2025
www.theyworkforyou.com
October 6, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Should read "deport!
Actual policy is here
Cc @peterwalker99.bsky.social
www.theyworkforyou.com/pbc/2024-25/...
Actual policy is here
Cc @peterwalker99.bsky.social
www.theyworkforyou.com/pbc/2024-25/...
Reposted by Owen
Are out-of-work benefit claims at a record high? My new post open.substack.com/pub/inequali... , and also my take on More or Less this morning at www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Are out-of-work benefit claims at a record high?
The official statistics are wildly misleading - I've now made some new estimates that show just how wrong they are
open.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Are out-of-work benefit claims at a record high? My new post open.substack.com/pub/inequali... , and also my take on More or Less this morning at www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Owen
September 3, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Reposted by Owen
Introducing the first AI prototype of a British MP🇬🇧🤖
When constituent and local business owner, Jeremy Smith, approached me with this idea, I was very excited to work with him. The AI revolution is happening and we must embrace it to see how it can be useful, in all sectors.
When constituent and local business owner, Jeremy Smith, approached me with this idea, I was very excited to work with him. The AI revolution is happening and we must embrace it to see how it can be useful, in all sectors.
Speak to Mark Sewards 24/7
Connect with Mark Sewards, your AI assistant, anytime.
www.neural-voice.ai
August 5, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Introducing the first AI prototype of a British MP🇬🇧🤖
When constituent and local business owner, Jeremy Smith, approached me with this idea, I was very excited to work with him. The AI revolution is happening and we must embrace it to see how it can be useful, in all sectors.
When constituent and local business owner, Jeremy Smith, approached me with this idea, I was very excited to work with him. The AI revolution is happening and we must embrace it to see how it can be useful, in all sectors.
Reposted by Owen
You & @aliceolilly.bsky.social might be interested in this piece by @queensparkkaren.bsky.social on the explosion of casework, its causes & possible remedies www.nuffieldfoundation.org/research/our...
Why MPs are a flawed substitute for legal advice - Nuffield Foundation
www.nuffieldfoundation.org
August 5, 2025 at 8:05 PM
You & @aliceolilly.bsky.social might be interested in this piece by @queensparkkaren.bsky.social on the explosion of casework, its causes & possible remedies www.nuffieldfoundation.org/research/our...
Reposted by Owen
going to coin the term "pollslop" for the ramping up of constant, near-pointless polling and surveys and leadership ratings that neither inform nor illuminate
July 17, 2025 at 5:32 PM
going to coin the term "pollslop" for the ramping up of constant, near-pointless polling and surveys and leadership ratings that neither inform nor illuminate
Reposted by Owen
Said it before - procurement teams across government are being treated like unreproachable Gods and it's absolutely ruining multiple policy areas because they'd don't know what they're doing.
This is *mental*. The TeachFirst brand is worth a vast sum. And DfE proposes to torch all that? Lunatics.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Teach First brand that helps top graduates into poorest s...
Leading brand that trains teachers for most deprived areas of the country will not be allowed to operate under its current name
observer.co.uk
July 11, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Said it before - procurement teams across government are being treated like unreproachable Gods and it's absolutely ruining multiple policy areas because they'd don't know what they're doing.
Reposted by Owen
I've realised I know very little about the detail of US social security - can anyone recommend a good source of info? Keen to look at the nuts and bolts so something quite detailed, but sonething that doesn't assume any prior knowledge... #socialsecurity #welfare
April 2, 2025 at 9:07 AM
I've realised I know very little about the detail of US social security - can anyone recommend a good source of info? Keen to look at the nuts and bolts so something quite detailed, but sonething that doesn't assume any prior knowledge... #socialsecurity #welfare
Reposted by Owen
Extraordinary use of statistics. DWP might as well claim their proposals will massively improve child mortality because they have decided not to proceed with Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents. The ‘previous Conservative plans’ are not in effect, are not law, and the Conservatives are not in power!
In summary: The 250k net poverty rise in impact assessment is extra to an assumed 150k rise that previous Conservative plans would have created - even they never happened. But DWP has assumed that increase was already on the books and added to it. Real poverty impact is 400k. 7/7
March 26, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Extraordinary use of statistics. DWP might as well claim their proposals will massively improve child mortality because they have decided not to proceed with Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents. The ‘previous Conservative plans’ are not in effect, are not law, and the Conservatives are not in power!
Reposted by Owen
The other way to look at the proposal to time limit all working age contributory benefit is that it would not just weaken but *completely abolish* what has for many years been (after retirement pension) the second most important part of the state contributory benefit system.
This has, understandably, been overshadowed by far bigger developments
But this is interesting because, barring pensions, contributory social insurance has only ever been weakened in my years of watching these things. I’m not sure it’s ever been strengthened since the late 60s
But this is interesting because, barring pensions, contributory social insurance has only ever been weakened in my years of watching these things. I’m not sure it’s ever been strengthened since the late 60s
Excellent to hear Liz Kendall announce a consultation on time-limited contributory based benefits, paid at higher rates
Taking up proposals I developed with colleagues at the Fabians
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Taking up proposals I developed with colleagues at the Fabians
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
March 20, 2025 at 8:16 PM
The other way to look at the proposal to time limit all working age contributory benefit is that it would not just weaken but *completely abolish* what has for many years been (after retirement pension) the second most important part of the state contributory benefit system.
Reposted by Owen
On welfare reform the challenge for the British media is getting the balance right between covering the actual story and the political story. Unfortunately there are more political correspondents that social affairs correspondents.
March 18, 2025 at 11:05 AM
On welfare reform the challenge for the British media is getting the balance right between covering the actual story and the political story. Unfortunately there are more political correspondents that social affairs correspondents.
Reposted by Owen
Why do all these people have depression we ask as we create systems designed to make their lives as insecure as possible.
March 17, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Why do all these people have depression we ask as we create systems designed to make their lives as insecure as possible.
Reposted by Owen
The article below reports DWP's policy response to the R (Roberts) v SSWP case from earlier this year.
It looks like DWP now accept they will need to ask claimants' views about deductions before making them
It looks like DWP now accept they will need to ask claimants' views about deductions before making them
February 25, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The article below reports DWP's policy response to the R (Roberts) v SSWP case from earlier this year.
It looks like DWP now accept they will need to ask claimants' views about deductions before making them
It looks like DWP now accept they will need to ask claimants' views about deductions before making them
Reposted by Owen
Great result by @cpaguk.bsky.social in the Upper Tribunal on universal credit transitional protection
More info: www.rightsnet.org.uk/now/post/61249
More info: www.rightsnet.org.uk/now/post/61249
February 11, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Great result by @cpaguk.bsky.social in the Upper Tribunal on universal credit transitional protection
More info: www.rightsnet.org.uk/now/post/61249
More info: www.rightsnet.org.uk/now/post/61249
Reposted by Owen
A disabled man who was plunged into poverty after his disability benefits were removed died hours after self-harming in public, apparently in protest at his treatment by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Disabled man self-harms in public and dies after losing PIP, but DWP silent on 30 years of safeguarding failures
A disabled man who was plunged into poverty after his disability benefits were removed died hours after self-harming in public, apparently in protest at his treatment by the Department for Work and…
buff.ly
February 7, 2025 at 7:30 AM
A disabled man who was plunged into poverty after his disability benefits were removed died hours after self-harming in public, apparently in protest at his treatment by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Reposted by Owen
DWP to SSAC: ‘Given the [Clifford] judgment, the draft regulations which would have delivered the WCA
descriptor changes will be withdrawn by the Department. Therefore… we
consider this to be the conclusion of SSAC’s scrutiny of the draft regulations.’
descriptor changes will be withdrawn by the Department. Therefore… we
consider this to be the conclusion of SSAC’s scrutiny of the draft regulations.’
Work Capability Assessment draft regulations: letter to Dr Stephen Brien
Correspondence from the DWP to SSAC's Chair following the judgment in the judicial review into the lawfulness of the consultation on the Work Capability Assessment descriptor changes.
www.gov.uk
February 4, 2025 at 11:25 AM
DWP to SSAC: ‘Given the [Clifford] judgment, the draft regulations which would have delivered the WCA
descriptor changes will be withdrawn by the Department. Therefore… we
consider this to be the conclusion of SSAC’s scrutiny of the draft regulations.’
descriptor changes will be withdrawn by the Department. Therefore… we
consider this to be the conclusion of SSAC’s scrutiny of the draft regulations.’