Neil Carpenter's Blog
May 15, 2023
Latest Amazon Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
A broken system or a deliberately cruel strategy?
I intended to write a review of this excellent book when I first read it more than a year ago, however, as with many good intentions they were neglected as life moved on. It’s a worrying reflection on the times we are in, that the outrages which Neil Carpenter so eloquently describes here with such honesty and insight, are somehow as predictable as they are shocking. I think the prompt to retrace my steps and write this review was the Coronation which took place this weekend. Whatever your views on the monarchy, it’s difficult not to contrast the meticulous lengths, choreography and expense that those organising this event were prepared to go to in order to portray Britain as they would like the world to see it, with the reality being faced by the weakest members of our society as described in this book. The examples that are given in the book shine an unfavourable light on the cynical systems and processes which further disadvantage some of the most vulnerable people in our society. It’s hard to imagine that it is systemic incompetence which underpins Neil’s examples, more plausible is that this book details a calculated and cruel attempt to reduce costs at the expense of those who simply cannot defend themselves.
Thank goodness that we still have people like Neil Carpenter who are prepared not only to actively support those who need help, but who are able to expose the shortcomings of the DWP and those who orchestrate it, in such a clear and articulate manner. An excellent book which should be required reading for every serving MP and anyone who is still seeing the world through the tint of their novelty red, white and blue Coronation spectacles.
I intended to write a review of this excellent book when I first read it more than a year ago, however, as with many good intentions they were neglected as life moved on. It’s a worrying reflection on the times we are in, that the outrages which Neil Carpenter so eloquently describes here with such honesty and insight, are somehow as predictable as they are shocking. I think the prompt to retrace my steps and write this review was the Coronation which took place this weekend. Whatever your views on the monarchy, it’s difficult not to contrast the meticulous lengths, choreography and expense that those organising this event were prepared to go to in order to portray Britain as they would like the world to see it, with the reality being faced by the weakest members of our society as described in this book. The examples that are given in the book shine an unfavourable light on the cynical systems and processes which further disadvantage some of the most vulnerable people in our society. It’s hard to imagine that it is systemic incompetence which underpins Neil’s examples, more plausible is that this book details a calculated and cruel attempt to reduce costs at the expense of those who simply cannot defend themselves.
Thank goodness that we still have people like Neil Carpenter who are prepared not only to actively support those who need help, but who are able to expose the shortcomings of the DWP and those who orchestrate it, in such a clear and articulate manner. An excellent book which should be required reading for every serving MP and anyone who is still seeing the world through the tint of their novelty red, white and blue Coronation spectacles.
May 10, 2023
Latest Amazon Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
Essential reading for those with a social conscience
This is beautifully written and exposes several tragic and shaming cases where the DWP has clearly failed to help the very people who need it; the people who it should be helping the most. The example cases are presented logically and in a clear and thoroughly engaging text. The system isn't working for them and indeed works against them. Having first-hand experience of a family tribunal with the DWP, I can confirm that the system works as Neil highlights. Those with learning disabilities will struggle with multiple page application forms and need help to gain their rightful entitlement. Where their case fails, they will struggle with tribunals without advocacy and the support supplied by people like Neil Carpenter who has my admiration.
This is beautifully written and exposes several tragic and shaming cases where the DWP has clearly failed to help the very people who need it; the people who it should be helping the most. The example cases are presented logically and in a clear and thoroughly engaging text. The system isn't working for them and indeed works against them. Having first-hand experience of a family tribunal with the DWP, I can confirm that the system works as Neil highlights. Those with learning disabilities will struggle with multiple page application forms and need help to gain their rightful entitlement. Where their case fails, they will struggle with tribunals without advocacy and the support supplied by people like Neil Carpenter who has my admiration.
April 27, 2023
Latest Amazon Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
An important read - well written and engaging
As someone with no actual experience of accessing the help that is supposed to be available to support our most vulnerable in society, I was interested to gain an understanding of just what is involved. We pay our taxes so that a proper safety net is available for those who genuinely need it. The book, through a series of real life stories, shows just how difficult it is to actually get the benefits to which the claimants are legally entitled.
Using examples of disabled claimants you are shown just how unsympathetic the whole system is and it really looks like a quite brutal attempt to deny help unless you appeal all the way to a court - where a great majority of decisions to refuse benefits are reversed. What an appalling damnation of the attitude of the DWP and its so called "Health Professionals" who make these assessments - the whole system is loaded against claimants and I do wonder if the assessors are paid and given bonuses depending on how much support they refuse or claw back?
Everyone who cares about the weakest in our society should read this book - it's a fast paced and informative book - it never lost my interest.
As someone with no actual experience of accessing the help that is supposed to be available to support our most vulnerable in society, I was interested to gain an understanding of just what is involved. We pay our taxes so that a proper safety net is available for those who genuinely need it. The book, through a series of real life stories, shows just how difficult it is to actually get the benefits to which the claimants are legally entitled.
Using examples of disabled claimants you are shown just how unsympathetic the whole system is and it really looks like a quite brutal attempt to deny help unless you appeal all the way to a court - where a great majority of decisions to refuse benefits are reversed. What an appalling damnation of the attitude of the DWP and its so called "Health Professionals" who make these assessments - the whole system is loaded against claimants and I do wonder if the assessors are paid and given bonuses depending on how much support they refuse or claw back?
Everyone who cares about the weakest in our society should read this book - it's a fast paced and informative book - it never lost my interest.
March 31, 2023
Latest Amazon Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
The Truth about the DWP and its failure to fulfil its purpose
Neil Carpenter shoots from the hip as he shows through real life cases how the DWP’s Benefits system fails those who need it most. Most of the accounts are heartbreaking and leave you wondering what the DWP’s game is, as the detailed accounts show you the horrendous truth about how the DWP treats adults with learning disabilities. From the filling in of overly lengthy and complicated forms, through to the extremely lengthy waiting time for a PIP assessment (in which, these people’s benefits have been stopped), Neil takes you through the actual Case Studies of the victims he has fought for, against the DWP’s cruel decision to stop benefits they were entitled to. Neil won PIP awards for many but it makes you wonder how many out there are suffering because they don’t have an advocate to fight their corner. The system needs to change quickly as it’s disturbing how difficult it is for people with a learning disability to complete successfully. I was horrified at the DWP’s inhumane treatment of disabled people and it’s absolute waste of resources and taxpayers money by forcing most people to take them to a tribunal. The sheer stress of the situation causes real harm to victims, as well as the cruel sanctions forced on them. I think everyone would benefit from reading this book and learning the truth about how the DWP are failing the people it is supposed to help. Having been through the system myself (without a learning disability), it’s impossible to navigate and one could be forgiven for believing it’s been designed to fail the people it’s meant to help.
Neil Carpenter shoots from the hip as he shows through real life cases how the DWP’s Benefits system fails those who need it most. Most of the accounts are heartbreaking and leave you wondering what the DWP’s game is, as the detailed accounts show you the horrendous truth about how the DWP treats adults with learning disabilities. From the filling in of overly lengthy and complicated forms, through to the extremely lengthy waiting time for a PIP assessment (in which, these people’s benefits have been stopped), Neil takes you through the actual Case Studies of the victims he has fought for, against the DWP’s cruel decision to stop benefits they were entitled to. Neil won PIP awards for many but it makes you wonder how many out there are suffering because they don’t have an advocate to fight their corner. The system needs to change quickly as it’s disturbing how difficult it is for people with a learning disability to complete successfully. I was horrified at the DWP’s inhumane treatment of disabled people and it’s absolute waste of resources and taxpayers money by forcing most people to take them to a tribunal. The sheer stress of the situation causes real harm to victims, as well as the cruel sanctions forced on them. I think everyone would benefit from reading this book and learning the truth about how the DWP are failing the people it is supposed to help. Having been through the system myself (without a learning disability), it’s impossible to navigate and one could be forgiven for believing it’s been designed to fail the people it’s meant to help.
December 18, 2022
Latest Amazon Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
Painfully Accurate
Anyone with knowledge of the benefits system in Austerity Britain knows of the DWP’s attitudes towards claimants, and for anyone without such knowledge, this is the go-to guide in exposing the lies, deceit and corruption which riddles the system designed to provide a social floor for those in desperate need.
I’d have no issue calling Neil Carpenter’s ‘Benefits on Trial’ a page turner if it were not a tragic blow-by-blow account of the British state’s exploitation and bullying of the society’s most vulnerable. His personal contact with the subjects of the book makes it all the more moving, leaving the reader only to speculate with horror at the ‘protagonists’’ fate without his vital, heroic role in their stories. Unfortunately, Neil is just one man and can only devote his time to so many cases. As the book makes painfully clear, the Tories’ inhumane DWP will continue to cut corners and abuse its power, effectively punishing the helpless, in order to meet senseless targets.
Anyone with knowledge of the benefits system in Austerity Britain knows of the DWP’s attitudes towards claimants, and for anyone without such knowledge, this is the go-to guide in exposing the lies, deceit and corruption which riddles the system designed to provide a social floor for those in desperate need.
I’d have no issue calling Neil Carpenter’s ‘Benefits on Trial’ a page turner if it were not a tragic blow-by-blow account of the British state’s exploitation and bullying of the society’s most vulnerable. His personal contact with the subjects of the book makes it all the more moving, leaving the reader only to speculate with horror at the ‘protagonists’’ fate without his vital, heroic role in their stories. Unfortunately, Neil is just one man and can only devote his time to so many cases. As the book makes painfully clear, the Tories’ inhumane DWP will continue to cut corners and abuse its power, effectively punishing the helpless, in order to meet senseless targets.
November 28, 2022
Latest Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
If you care about how people with a learning disability are treated then please read this.
After many years spent supporting children with special educational needs in mainstream school I often wonder how their adult life might have turned out. This book is written by somebody who works as a volunteer advocate with adults who have a learning disability and is extremely accessible. It follows 6 people who have to battle a system which appears stacked against them and we learn how the impact is felt not just on their finances but also their mental health. In my opinion the Department for Work and Pensions have a lot to answer for; they should be supporting these people not subjecting them to such distress. The book is non profit making, is very reasonably priced and I can highly recommend it.
After many years spent supporting children with special educational needs in mainstream school I often wonder how their adult life might have turned out. This book is written by somebody who works as a volunteer advocate with adults who have a learning disability and is extremely accessible. It follows 6 people who have to battle a system which appears stacked against them and we learn how the impact is felt not just on their finances but also their mental health. In my opinion the Department for Work and Pensions have a lot to answer for; they should be supporting these people not subjecting them to such distress. The book is non profit making, is very reasonably priced and I can highly recommend it.
Latest Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
DWP ON TRIAL
Thank God for Neil Carpenter who is not only an advocate for those who need help, but who is also prepared to blow the whistle on the woefully inadequate DWP and the way it treats people who need help. This government body is so lacking in humanity and common sense that it beggars belief: it should not be allowed to operate so shambolically at every level. Without an advoocate, what would happen to these people? The government clearly do not care. Shameful, but thank you for writing this exposé. Who knows when we may be unfortunate enough to need the DWP. I sincerely that day never comes. Very depressing but definitely worth reading.
Thank God for Neil Carpenter who is not only an advocate for those who need help, but who is also prepared to blow the whistle on the woefully inadequate DWP and the way it treats people who need help. This government body is so lacking in humanity and common sense that it beggars belief: it should not be allowed to operate so shambolically at every level. Without an advoocate, what would happen to these people? The government clearly do not care. Shameful, but thank you for writing this exposé. Who knows when we may be unfortunate enough to need the DWP. I sincerely that day never comes. Very depressing but definitely worth reading.
November 27, 2022
Latest Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
Important insight into the human cost of the benefit system on people with learning disabilities
This is an important contribution to the understanding of a system that does not take into account people's ability to negotiate the complexities of forms, budgeting and contracts.
The DWP expectations of claimants with learning disabilities are unrealistic and Neil Carpenter demonstrates through case studies how this impacts on individuals. His analysis is clear and damning. In Benefits on Trial, he advocates for those whose lives have been battered by an unfair system and finds it wanting.
Required reading for welfare rights advisers, LD advocates and for DWP staff and Ministers.
This is an important contribution to the understanding of a system that does not take into account people's ability to negotiate the complexities of forms, budgeting and contracts.
The DWP expectations of claimants with learning disabilities are unrealistic and Neil Carpenter demonstrates through case studies how this impacts on individuals. His analysis is clear and damning. In Benefits on Trial, he advocates for those whose lives have been battered by an unfair system and finds it wanting.
Required reading for welfare rights advisers, LD advocates and for DWP staff and Ministers.
Latest Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
6 real life case studies
Mr Carpenter has written about 6 vulnerable people and their real life struggles to receive essential benefits. They are harrowing tales that will make you wince at the lack of common sense and lack of compassion in state run organisations in the UK. These are the most vulnerable people in our society who are so often let down by the DWP and the benefits system. Mr Carpenter is a volunteer advocate who provides a valuable and essential service to those struggling to negotiate the benefit's system. A highly recommended read. It will make you want to shout from a soap box about injustice. Write to your MP and help to make change happen.
Mr Carpenter has written about 6 vulnerable people and their real life struggles to receive essential benefits. They are harrowing tales that will make you wince at the lack of common sense and lack of compassion in state run organisations in the UK. These are the most vulnerable people in our society who are so often let down by the DWP and the benefits system. Mr Carpenter is a volunteer advocate who provides a valuable and essential service to those struggling to negotiate the benefit's system. A highly recommended read. It will make you want to shout from a soap box about injustice. Write to your MP and help to make change happen.
Latest Review of ‘Benefits on Trial’
6 real life case studies
Mr Carpenter has written about 6 vulnerable people and their real life struggles to receive essential benefits. They are harrowing tales that will make you wince at the lack of common sense and lack of compassion in state run organisations in the UK. These are the most vulnerable people in our society who are so often let down by the DWP and the benefits system. Mr Carpenter is a volunteer advocate who provides a valuable and essential service to those struggling to negotiate the benefit's system. A highly recommended read. It will make you want to shout from a soap box about injustice. Write to your MP and help to make change happen.
Mr Carpenter has written about 6 vulnerable people and their real life struggles to receive essential benefits. They are harrowing tales that will make you wince at the lack of common sense and lack of compassion in state run organisations in the UK. These are the most vulnerable people in our society who are so often let down by the DWP and the benefits system. Mr Carpenter is a volunteer advocate who provides a valuable and essential service to those struggling to negotiate the benefit's system. A highly recommended read. It will make you want to shout from a soap box about injustice. Write to your MP and help to make change happen.
