This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Wheelchairs – assignment by DMs, not GPs'.

 
 
 
DWP Central Freedom of Information Team
Annex A 
 
e-mail: freedom-of-information-re
 
xxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx
 
Our Ref: VTR738
 
 

16 March 2012
Annex A 
 
Dear Mr Newman, 
 
You asked: 
 
You have previously stated that DMs can assign a claimant to a wheelchair if they feel that this 
will improve mobilisation and work capability, regardless of medical advice or claimant 
concerns. 
      
In a decision on 20/10/2011, Judge Levenson cautioned that “in the absence of actual use or 
prescription, a tribunal needs to provide some explanation of how the aid or appliance could 
help the particular claimant.” 
     (http://www.osscsc.gov.uk/Aspx/view.aspx?id=3364

      
Is DWP now fully compliant with this judgement and providing this explanation to claimants 
affected by FFW decisions that involve use of a wheelchair? 
 
Freedom of Information is about the provision of non-personal recorded information.  The 
information you request is not available. 
 
The role of the FoI Act is about the supply of recorded information held by the Department 
rather than providing an explanation to, or confirming whether the assumptions made by the 
author of the questions are correct or not. 
If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the reference number 
above.   
Yours sincerely,  
 
 
DWP Central FoI Team 
 
 
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Your right to complain under the Freedom of Information Act 
 
If you are not happy with this response you may request an internal review by e-mailing freedom-of-information-
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx or by writing to DWP, Central FoI Team, 5th Floor The Adelphi, 1-11, John Adam Street, 
London WC2N 6HT. Any review request should be submitted within two months of the date of this letter.  

 
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you may apply directly to the Information 
Commissioner’s Office for a decision. Generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have 
exhausted our own complaints procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information 
Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF www.ico.gov.uk