Labour challenged to tackle rise of ‘sickfluencers’ helping claimants ‘game’ the benefits system_Nhy
Labour was last night challenged to prove it was serious on welfare reform by targeting online ‘sickfluencers’ who help claimants ‘game’ the benefits system.
The Tories called on the Government to back their proposal to make it a specific offence to assist someone to commit benefits fraud.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately said ‘the internet is awash’ with videos showing people how to exploit the system. Some of these ‘sickfluencers’ are making money from the videos, she added.
The Tory calls follow a Channel 4 Dispatches programme which showed how YouTube and TikTok accounts offering benefits advice had received millions of views, with followers sharing stories of getting disability benefits.
Tips included lists of keywords to use in assessments, including terms that matched the scoring criteria for benefits, such as ‘psychological distress’.
Users are also warned not to answer certain ‘trick questions’ at interviews.
The working age benefits bill is forecast to hit £75 billion by 2029. Half of that will be spent on incapacity benefit for people whose health limits their ability to work.
The Tories will table an amendment to the current Fraud Bill this week to introduce the new offence.
The Tory calls follow a Channel 4 Dispatches programme which showed how YouTube and TikTok accounts offering benefits advice had received millions of views, with followers sharing stories of getting disability benefits. Pictured: File photo
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately (pictured in 2021) said ‘the internet is awash’ with videos showing people how to exploit the system
Separately, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (pictured) will this week launch her party’s policy renewal process to build what sources say is a ‘serious and strategic’ programme to return to government
Ms Whately said: ‘There are now a million more people claiming sickness benefits than before the pandemic.
‘While we know people struggled with lockdown, this doesn’t explain this huge rise in claims. The system is being gamed.’
She challenged ministers to combat the ‘rise of the sickfluencers’ by backing the Tory amendment, saying benefits fraud reduces aid for genuinely disabled people.
Separately, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will this week launch her party’s policy renewal process to build what sources say is a ‘serious and strategic’ programme to return to government.
The move comes amid reports yesterday of more job cuts at Tory headquarters to reduce costs.
The number of posts has fallen from 188 to 153 already, but another 19 may go.
Last night a party spokesman said: ‘Nothing is off the table and, as she has shown with her reorganisation of CCHQ, Kemi is not afraid to make sweeping changes.’
