Hello. does anyone know of Solicitors in the NorthWest who are willing to take on the DWP?

Kev1n

Hi my name, if you have not already guessed is Kev.

Having been harassed, belittled, shamed, plunged in to financial hell, accused of being a cheat, a liar, of benefit fruad and lastly made to jump through hoops to claim the ridiculous reduced rate vehicle tax, I find myself at the end of my tether.

I know there are many thousands of disabled people who have been through similar or worse but does anyone know of Solicitors in the NorthWest who are willing to take on the DWP in a case of constant discrimination and bullying. I know it is possible to now do this but need some help, PLEASE.

Thanks

Kev

66Mustang

Hi Kev

There are lots of solicitors who will represent you for pretty much anything, they are easy to find, but you have to be willing and able to fund this

If you don't have the means to pay then anyone willing to take payment only at the end will need to be convinced that 1) you are likely to win and 2) you are due a sizeable payout (so you can pay them)

Basically if it's a battle of principal rather than chasing a large amount of money owed and/or you are only stand to gain like 10 grand or something you will struggle

Sorry to be negative but just trying to help with some realistic advice

Albus_Scope

Heya @Kev1n and welcome to the community.

I'm sorry to hear the DWP have treated you like that, unfortunately it's something we hear a fair bit. As far as solicitors go, we cannot advise you legally, but I'd suggest maybe contacting your local CAB and they may be able to suggest some solicitors?

Kev1n

I know a Solicitor in the NorthEast, a friend of the family but the distance is not ideal. I was just wondering if anyone in my area had found one.

Thank you for your reply.

AndrewHall

Better to stick with the Solicitor you already know. Distance shouldn't be a barrier in this day and age. I wish you all best against narcissist DWP staffs.

poppy123456

Claiming reduced VED isn't complicated just extremely annoying that in 11 years they still haven't changed how you apply. You can still only apply by sending all documents to DVLA and this has to be done every time you tax your vehicle.

What discrimination was/is it exactly?

Kev1n

I have had to claim for reduced tax on two or three occasions. On one I sent the documents they asked for but was refused due to the date on the form not being current. This meant contacting the DWP, forty plus minutes on the line waiting, then when I received the forms two weeks later they had sent the wrong forms. I went through the process again, haven asked to speak to a supervisor, waited another two weeks then had to pay again for signed for letter to the DVLA. In all the process took nearly six weeks to get my vehicle taxed and a lost three weeks of use that I paid for.

This latest time I sent them the latest pip updates with everything on it but was again refused as there was only twelve months on the document even though I was only applying for twelve months tax. I today called the DWP and was told I would not be sent the form till after the 1st of June. Following this process I would lose another two to three weeks use of my van whilst still paying for the privilege. I then searched the Web looking for a contact number for the DVLA, called them and asked if I could do what I have done before, borrow the money to pay the full tax without losing the use of my vehicle and then claiming for a fifty percent refund. I was told I could and they would send me an email. When I asked why there is no directions for this on the DVLA website like before and she had no idea why.. I last had a medical in 2016, my condition will only get worse, I have medical records thicker than an encyclopedia and still I get twelve month allowance whilst still waiting for a review for both me and my wife who has a serious disability with terminal dementia whilst living on peanuts and handouts from my son, all whilst our government say the cost of living crisis is over and yet the prices in our shops are still going up.

MW123

Kev, before searching for a a solicitor local to your area, I would recommend phoning or emailing your solicitor friend and asking for their advice on how to move this situation forward. Based on the details you have provided, the key will be to demonstrate that even though the DWP's policy appears neutral on the surface, it is having a disproportionately negative impact on people with disabilities like yourself.

Given the details you've provided, it appears that direct discrimination may not be the primary concern here. Instead, an indirect discrimination claim might be the most effective approach. The DWP seems to apply the policy or procedure in question universally, rather than specifically targeting you as an individual.

Poppy has stated that this policy has not changed in the past 11 years. With your solicitor friend's support and guidance, you may be able to compel the DWP to re-evaluate their policies and make the necessary accommodations to address the disproportionate impact you are experiencing.

Pursuing discrimination claims, whether direct or indirect, can be a complex and stressful journey fraught with legal hurdles and emotional challenges, but the pursuit of justice and equality can serve as a powerful motivator to confront these issues head-on. I wish you all the best.