Ministers back down over ‘sensitive’ study of effects of benefits sanctions

Welfare secretary says he will not appeal against ruling ordering DWP to release study

Ministers have backed down over a refusal to publish “sensitive” internal government research into the effectiveness of benefit sanctions that has been kept under wraps by ministers for over two years.

The welfare secretary, Mel Stride, told MPs on the work and pensions select committee that he would not appeal against an information watchdog ruling earlier this month ordering the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to release the study.