Dean Tolhurst, a 56-year-old armed forces hero from Bicton Heath, Shropshire is now able to hold onto his favourite shiny red Vauxhall Crossland. This decision follows a new investigation by the DWP. Tolhurst, who served with the Royal Corps of Transport in the 1980s, was recently given the shocking news. His Motability vehicle would be removed on the basis of a past assessment of his mobility requirements.
Over the last six years, Tolhurst’s Motability vehicle has been their lifeline, serving as their essential mobility to get to work and back home. Our patient went through a reassessment that entirely ignored his profound mobility challenges. Now—despite having gone through a broken back, three strokes, two hernias and knee reconstructions—no judge will save his car from repossession.
Luckily, Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley campaigned for Tolhurst. Instead, he was given the assurance that, while his situation is more closely assessed, he can retain his vehicle. Buckley has been a strong advocate for Tolhurst, even calling the DWP on his behalf.
Tolhurst was happy about the decision, but noted that it’s important to stay on guard when it comes to the welfare system as a whole. He lamented that efforts to raise flags about the assessment process in the past were ignored.
“When I said the system was wrong, DWP didn’t listen to me – but they’ve listened to BBC Radio Shropshire, and they will be listening to Julia Buckley,” – Mr. Tolhurst
As positive as the DWP’s commitment to updating the disability assessment detailed above, ensuring their assessments actually represent people’s needs is essential. A spokesperson stated, “We are committed to changing the welfare system so it helps people to live with dignity.”
Despite his challenges, Tolhurst told that his anxiety levels have declined, something he credited to the work Tolhurst and Buckley did together. His case highlights the hardship that those with complicated health issues suffer each day. It highlights the invaluable role of advocacy in assisting them as they find their way through labyrinthine bureaucratic systems.
Beyond the immediate policy impact of being able to keep his car, Tolhurst is urging others like him to act.
“Pick up the phone and ring your local radio station,” – Mr. Tolhurst
He argues that public discourse is the only way to achieve real change in the welfare assessments themselves.
Looking forward, Tolhurst is optimistic about reducing claim delay rates and improving accountability further within the DWP.
“They’ve done things wrong, and they need to turn around and go ‘sorry we’ll rectify it’ – that’s the only thing I can hope for,” – Mr. Tolhurst
