A partially paralysed man missing half his head who was declared fit for work, has had the decision overturned on appeal.
Kenny Bailey’s case prompted criticism of the Department for Work and Pensions last week when it was revealed that his employment and support allowance was cut. He said that after suffering a stroke, a large chunk of his skull was removed and he suffers from severe memory loss.
Mr Bailey said the decision to cut his benefits was made because he can “walk 200 yards unaided” and “get up from his chair”. This meant he lost £156 per fortnight and said he feared he would lose his home as he would be unable to pay basic bills.
Mr Bailey told The Daily Mirror that the assessment has now been overturned on appeal.
His case had originally prompted criticism that the assessment process was unduly harsh on disabled claimants.
A spokesperson for The Department for Work and Pensions told The Independent: “Work Capability Assessments help ensure that people get the level of support that they need, rather than just writing them off on sickness benefits as happened in the past. The decision on whether someone is well enough to work is taken following a thorough independent assessment, and after consideration of all the supporting evidence from the claimant's GP or medical specialist. A claimant who disagrees with the outcome of their assessment can appeal.”
