Jodey Whiting’s mum welcomes DWP change but is still wary of cuts

Joy Dove, who lives in Stockton, spoke out last week after it was revealed that 10 children a week in the North East are being stripped of vital disability benefits when they turn 16.

Now, as part of sweeping changes to the welfare state branded the biggest reform in a generation, the Government announced it would push back the age which teenagers are moved from the disability living allowance (DLA) to a personal independence payment (PIP) from 16 to 18.

“If they have raised it to 18 then it’s better than it was. People have got more time to prepare for it,” said Joy.

“They have got a breathing space now. They might be 15 or 16 and now they have got a bit of relief.

“I just hope it doesn’t get as bad for everybody as it did for Jodey.”

Jodey took her own life in 2017 following the termination of her Employment Support Allowance (ESA) by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The 42-year-old mum had physical and mental illnesses which left her housebound and reliant on welfare benefits.

Joy, 71, believes this decision was a major factor in her daughter’s death and fought for years to have a fresh inquest to examine the role of the DWP.

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Despite the praise for reforms to disability benefits for teenagers, Joy was less enthused about other proposed changes to the welfare system by the Government.

It is estimated that a million people will lose disability benefits as a result of the decision by Labour to make it more difficult to claim the payment by increasing eligibility thresholds.

Joy said that she does not believe the Government has got its messaging right on the issue.

“The Government are so brazen in blaming the other government,” she said.

“Surely there’s other ways they can make up for losses instead of hitting disabled people.

“It’s worrying for me, I recently helped someone with their assessment and it was horrible.

“By doing this [the reforms] you’re going to have a lot of people wanting support and there will be more appeals. It’s a vicious circle.”

(Image: James Manning/PA Wire) Joy’s MP, Chris McDonald, was elected in 2024 and has met with her in Parliament. 

He raised the issue of children losing out on disability benefits with a minister last week.

“I’ve met with the Employment Minister to discuss in detail the government’s proposals for welfare reform. There’s an overriding commitment from the government to protect the most vulnerable and to rebuild trust that has previously been eroded,” Mr McDonald said.

“Many people want to work and can work, and this government will actively support them with personalised help and opportunities to try work without losing benefits. 

“Reforms must also end the cycle of ineffective work capability assessments that too often undermine dignity and confidence.

(Image: Chris McDonald MP) Recommended reading

“I’ll be closely monitoring these reforms to ensure they deliver real, tangible benefits for people in Stockton North and across the country.”

As reported, the first inquest into Jodey’s death, held seven years ago, lasted only 37 minutes and Joy did not have any legal representation. 

Joy has now been told Jodey’s second inquest will take place over three days at Teesside Coroner’s Court, in Middlesbrough, beginning on Monday, June 2.

If you are in need of support you can contact the following:

– Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

– If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

– SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58