Joy Dove, the mother of a disabled woman who died by suicide after the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) incorrectly stopped her benefits, has demanded a full public inquiry. Jodey Whiting, who was housebound and lived in chronic physical pain, died in 2017, just two weeks after her Employment Support Allowance (ESA) was denied because she was deemed fit for work.
Mother's Plea for Justice
Joy Dove has now met with Labour Party cabinet member Sir Stephen Timms, who is co-chairing the Timms Review, which explores changes to Personal Independence Payment assessments and eligibility. "Jodey was always just a name and a number to them - she was just one of millions and that must stop," Joy said. "Only a full public inquiry would get to the truth, for all the people that have been failed." She added: "The way the DWP treated my daughter was brutal and disgraceful. I'll keep fighting to get justice for Jodey and all the other families who have lost loved ones."
Coroner's Findings
Coroner Clare Bailey recorded a conclusion of suicide, which she said had been precipitated by the mistaken withdrawal of benefits by the DWP. Bridget Dolan KC, the coroner’s counsel, revealed details from notes left by Whiting: “She wrote about not being able to pay her bills and having no food. In some she wrote about feeling breathless and having back pain and trying to pay her bills and being in debt.” One note stated: “I have had enough.” Another ended with the words: “Debt, debt, debt.”
DWP Acknowledges Failings
At the inquest, Helga Swidenbank, a DWP director responsible for accessibility and disability services, acknowledged that the department should have recognised Whiting had “good cause” not to attend a health assessment, given her illnesses and mental health concerns. In a statement, the DWP said: "The Department has acknowledged the findings of the Coroner, apologised to Jodey's family for the failings in her case, and made significant improvements."
