Yet another generation of short DLA claim packs are to be piloted, with the no doubt delighted assistance of the citizens of Glasgow, beginning on 6th September 2004. Few details have yet emerged about the new forms. But we do know that they will not be the same as the ones currently being piloted there, although account has been taken of those trials. According to Maria Eagle, the latest generation of forms still contain options designed to tailor them to the claimant's needs, as well as reducing their length. In addition, the trial will include packs for children under 16, who have not been included in previous pilots.

More details as soon as we have them at http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk

Hi Steve,

I am told there is a meeting / info session to be held in glasgow on either 16 or 18th August. does anyone know where or when exactly. i understand this is to introduce the latest Trial and DLa packs.

lin

I have contacted the Glasgow Disability unit and they informed me that a meeting was taking place today in Glasgow. They are unaware of any future scheduled meetings, but they will get back to me on this. I will post once contacted re any other dates.

The new claim pack will be used in Glasgow from 6 September 2004. The explanatory notes have doubled in size, repeated cross-referencing between the notes and the claim form is required, the space for claimants to give evidence about their condition has been reduced and the "Statement from the person who knows you best" has been removed altogether. On the positive side, some of the prompts from th standard claim pack have been reintroduced.

You can find out more from the ineptly enormous link below:

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/benefits/unspun/New%20DLA%20short%20form.htm


As far as meetings for welfare rights workers in Glasgow are concerned, the DWP say that:

"There was a headline communications event in Glasgow yesterday (5 August) attended by around 50 delegates from organisations representing disabled people (80 were actually invited). The purpose of the event was to provide information about our current plans to improve claim forms and covered the forthcoming test of new DLA forms starting on 6 September and our plans to introduce e-enabled versions of the forms next year.

In week commencing 16 August, there are a series of meetings with representatives/advisers from those organisations that are the highest users of DLA claim forms in the Glasgow DBC area – around 160 have been invited. These meetings are to specifically explain the arrangements for testing the new DLA claim forms. All other organisations that take stocks of DLA forms will be notified in writing about the test forms".

I'd be interested to learn more about the e-enabled forms if anyone wants to report back from their "Marketplace" (apparently) meetings with the DWP.