Starmer blamed for hike in sick handouts as number of claimants seen face-to-face halves under Labour

By SOPHIE CHURCH - POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 22:21, 17 July 2026 | Updated: 22:21, 17 July 2026 Benefits claimants who fill in paper applications are twice as likely to be granted support as those seen in person, data reveals. The number of people receiving handouts rose by 300,000 during Keir Starmer's first year in office, while the number of face-to-face welfare assessments has halved since Labour came to power. Figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws reveal that 81 per cent of 'paper-based reviews' of personal independence payments (PIP) claims are rubber-stamped, whereas just 42 per cent of face-to-face consultations are signed off. This is despite the party pledging to increase the proportion of face-to-face PIP assessments, the most claimed benefit, to 30 per cent. Shadow work and pensions spokesman Helen Whately said: 'Sickness benefits should be for people with serious disabilities and illnesses. 'A steep rise in claims has coincided with the collapse in face-to-face assessments, but the UK hasn't suddenly got much sicker. Clearly the system isn't working. 'Only by restoring proper, in-person assessments can we make sure support goes to those who truly need it. 'Labour pledged to increase the share of PIP assessments carried out face-to-face to 30 per cent. The Government's own figures tell us they're making next to no progress. Labour will never tackle this issue because they simply do not have the backbone.' The number of people receiving sickness handouts rose by 300,000 since Sir Keir Starmer came to office And Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson branded the ease with which people can claim benefits 'absolute madness'. He said: 'Labour knows the system is broken and that the welfare bill is spiralling, yet instead of increasing proper assessments, they're making it easier for people to stay on benefits for years without challenge.' The data, obtained by the Conservative Party, reveals face-to-face assessments have now fallen from 8 per cent of all assessments to 4.8 per cent. And in-person assessments now account for fewer than one in 20 initial decisions on claims. Assessments are typically made in-person, on the phone, via video or through a paper-based review. Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham is, according to those close to him, ready to make 'tough decisions' on getting the benefits bill down. But Labour's commitment to tackling welfare has been called into question. Under its new regulations, from June 2, the time between PIP reviews was extended for the majority of claimants aged 25 and over, to a minimum of four years for a new claim.