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DWP overturn ruling which saw man missing half his head declared 'fit for work'

Kenny Bailey's ESA cut provoked outrage when details of the case first emerged

Siobhan Fenton
Wednesday 25 May 2016 05:05 EDT
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The decision has reportedly been overturned following criticism it was unnecessarily harsh
The decision has reportedly been overturned following criticism it was unnecessarily harsh (PA)

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A partially paralysed man missing half his head who was declared fit for work, has had the decision overturned on appeal.

Kenny Bailey’s case prompted criticism of the Department for Work and Pensions last week when it was revealed that his employment and support allowance was cut. He said that after suffering a stroke, a large chunk of his skull was removed and he suffers from severe memory loss.

Mr Bailey said the decision to cut his benefits was made because he can “walk 200 yards unaided” and “get up from his chair”. This meant he lost £156 per fortnight and said he feared he would lose his home as he would be unable to pay basic bills.

Mr Bailey told The Daily Mirror that the assessment has now been overturned on appeal.

His case had originally prompted criticism that the assessment process was unduly harsh on disabled claimants.

A spokesperson for The Department for Work and Pensions told The Independent: “Decisions are based on the medical evidence provided. Mr Bailey has given us more details of his medical history, and has now been found eligible for the benefit."

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